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Natural Disasters in Japan 7 Snow Damage

Natural disasters in Japan 7 Snow damage

Snow damage is a disaster caused by snow, and includes heavy snow, avalanches, various damage that occurs during snow removal after snowfall, and accidents due to road freezing.

It can occur anywhere in the area where it snows, but areas such as the Sea of ​​Japan side, Niigata, Yamagata, and Akita prefectures, where it snows a lot, can be said to be prone to snow damage.

Snow damage to watch out for

• avalanche

An avalanche is a phenomenon in which snow and ice that have accumulated on the slopes of a mountain flow down. Avalanches can reach speeds of 100 to 200 kilometers per hour, and can engulf buildings, trees, and people, causing great damage. It is difficult to escape after an avalanche occurs, so it is important to stay away from areas where avalanches are likely to occur.

• Snow damage

Roads and railroad tracks are covered with snow that has fallen for a long time. Traffic is paralyzed, and it interferes with daily life.

• Snow pressure damage

Buildings and trees are damaged by the weight of the accumulated snow. Depending on the quality of the snow, the accumulated snow can be very heavy, and the falling snow can hit people or things and cause accidents.

• Wind and snow damage

Poor visibility due to snowstorms can lead to accidents. If you walk or drive in a snowstorm, you may lose your sense of direction and distance, making it more likely that you will have an accident. Also, in a severe snowstorm, the visibility becomes completely white and nothing can be seen, which is very dangerous.

• Snow damage

Problems such as power lines being cut and railway equipment being damaged can occur due to snow that has fallen.

Preparations and countermeasures for snow damage

If heavy snow is expected, I would like to refrain from driving or going out, but I think there are times when you have to move.

In such cases, take the following actions to prevent injuries and accidents.

(1) When driving a car

• Drive with chains attached to studless tires.
• Load your car with shovels, blankets, cold weather gear, water and food in case you get stuck in the snow.
• If you get into a dangerous situation or get tired, stop your car at a roadside station or parking area and take a rest.
• Turn on the hazard lamps when stopping in a whiteout (a state in which the field of vision becomes completely white and nothing can be seen).
• Turn off the engine when the car is covered with snow. (to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning)
• Do not start suddenly or brake suddenly, and try to drive safely more than usual.

(2) When walking in the snow

• Take narrow strides, and walk with the intention of keeping the soles of your feet on the ground. (so as not to slip)
• Keep both hands free so that you can put your hands on it in case you fall.
• Do not walk under or near the roof to avoid snow falling from the roof.

In addition, many of the injuries and accidents caused by snow occur during snow removal (snow removal and snow removal).

[Accident that actually happened during snow removal]

• Fall from the roof by losing balance while removing snow.
• During snow removal, it is buried in the snow that fell from the roof. Snow hits.
• He collapsed from myocardial infarction due to working in the cold outdoors for a long time, which put a strain on his body.

To prevent such accidents, please pay attention to the following points when removing snow.

• Do not work alone, cooperate with your family and neighbors, and always work with two or more people.
• Keep your mobile phone with you while removing snow.
• Be sure to use lifelines and helmets, and secure ladders when using them.
• In order to prevent accidents and injuries due to falling snow, priority should be given to removing snow from the roof.
• If you get tired, take a break and do not force yourself to continue working.