SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) has released a comprehensive Winter Safety Guide to help residents and visitors prepare for the challenges of winter, including cold weather, snowfall, avalanches, and landslides.
The guide provides practical safety measures to combat cold waves, recommending dressing in layers and keeping heaters and blankets readily available. However, it strongly advises against leaving heaters unattended and stresses the importance of recognising signs of hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning.
For skiing enthusiasts, the guide urges adherence to government advisories, avoiding unstable snow zones, and skiing only in groups. It also recommends the use of proper gear such as helmets and goggles, carrying essentials like GPS devices and water, and practising emergency drills while staying alert to weather and avalanche warnings.
To enhance avalanche preparedness, the guide highlights the need to carry safety equipment like beacons, shovels, and probes.
Addressing snowfall safety, the guide advises clearing snow from rooftops to prevent structural damage, keeping emergency supplies stocked, and avoiding unnecessary travel during heavy snow.
For landslide-prone areas, the guide recommends staying updated on weather warnings, evacuating if necessary, avoiding travel through vulnerable zones, and ensuring properties near slopes are secure.
To prevent winter fires, the guide suggests installing smoke detectors, maintaining proper ventilation while using heaters or fireplaces, avoiding the storage of flammable materials near heat sources, and refraining from overloading electrical circuits.
The Winter Safety Guide aims to raise awareness and equip the public with tools to navigate the winter season safely. (KNO)
