B is for Blizzard and Blackout

My theme for my 2015 A to Z Challenge came from my Disaster Crime series. Disasters are a theme in each story, so it got me thinking about all the disasters that occur from natural disasters to manmade disasters.
Today’s disasters are...BLIZZARDS and BLACKOUTS
First, I’ll discuss blizzards as part of my avalanche post for A.
A BLIZZARD is a severe snowstorm that typically lasts for three hours or more. Frequent snow fall combined with wind of 35 mph or greater reduces visibility (this is known as a whiteout), making driving and even venturing outdoors dangerous. Sleet and freezing rain can make matters worse when you’re traveling. And blizzards can cause snowdrifts (huge mountains of snow) that you may not see until you run into one. Snowdrifts can get so big that they can bury houses and trap residents inside for days.
Image from Wikipedia
FACT: The Storm of the 20th Century took place in March 1993, causing 300 deaths and 10 million power outages.
Blizzards are very dangerous if you’re caught outside in one. Low wind chill (the amount of cooling one “feels” due to wind and temperature) can result in frostbite and hypothermia. Even If you’re safe indoors, heavy snowfall can cave in roofs, freeze pipes, and snap power lines, which will take out your electricity and heat. If you’re trapped inside a house, waiting for the snowdrifts to melt, food and water may run low.
Image from Wikipedia
FACT: A severe blizzard has near or below zero temperature.
If you’re ever stuck in a blizzard outside:1.    Stay hydrated and well nourished.2.    Keep moving to avoid hypothermia.3.    Build a snow cave to block the wind.4.    NEVER drink snow! (It'll freeze your insides if you can't warm it.)
If there is a blizzard warning, stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets, candles and matches.


Image from Wikipedia
New York 1977
A BLACKOUT is a total loss of power to an area due to a power station tripping, and is the most extreme form of power outage that can ever occur. It is difficult to recover from this type of outage and it can last anywhere from minutes to weeks. In a blackout, whole cities are impacted.
Image from Wikipedia
At night, it becomes so dark without the glow of streetlights, buildings and cars that it can appear pitch-black, as if a cloak is covering the city. Blackouts are dangerous because if they last for days, food and clean water can run low. Crimes also spike.

QUESTION: Has anyone here ever been in a blizzard or blackout? Tell me about it!

Disasters:A: AvalancheB: Blizzard and Blackout

I'ma member of Tremp's Troops!