Practical guide * MeteorologyAdvice for snow storms0

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Advice for snow storms

In emergencies, information is the best protection. It is important to plan your journeys

  • Follow main roads and motorways, keeping to routes that you know well.
  • Avoid driving at night, when dangers are more difficult to detect.
  • Inform someone of your route and when you expect to arrive and try not to travel alone.
  • Check where the petrol stations are located along your route.

It is important to check the condition of your vehicle, paying attention to both its maintenance and making sure that it is appropriately equipped

  • Check tyre pressures (including the spare wheel), brakes, lights and batteries.
  • Make sure that cooling and windscreen washing liquids are at the correct levels and appropriately prepared for low temperatures.
  • Fill up your petrol tank.
  • Have your wheel chains prepared (appropriate chains for your vehicle) and make sure that you know how to fit them.
  • Always carry reflective jackets, traffic triangles, a lantern and tools.
  • Take a mobile phone so that you can phone for help in the case of an emergency.

It is important to drive safely. Switch on dipped headlights and fog lights.

  • If it starts to snow, drive slowly and carefully (if necessary, drop down a gear). Maintain a good distance from other vehicles. If your wheels skid, slow down, but without braking.
  • If there is snow on the hard shoulder, stop your vehicle where it will not inconvenience other drivers and put chains on your drive wheels.
  • Drive with caution, particularly in shaded areas, bridges and viaducts, as they may be icy.
  • Drive along existing tyre tracks, but if they have frozen, drive on fresh snow.
  • If it is snowing and you are driving a heavy, remember that you cannot overtake other vehicles. The traffic authorities can restrict or limit where you drive. Pay attention and respect any interruptions in the traffic that may be imposed.

It is important to be vigilant in extreme conditions

  • If there is a blizzard (snow and strong winds), stop your vehicle as visibility will be very limited.
  • If you find yourself immobilised inside your vehicle and there is no other shelter nearby, leave the heating on, but with the window slightly open. Place a brightly covered handkerchief on the aerial in order to make the vehicle more visible.
  • Do not sleep with the engine on.

 

Before setting out, make yourself aware of the weather forecast by checking with:

- The Catalan Meteorological Service: www.meteocat.net
- The National Institute of Meteorology: www.inm.es
- The Traffic Department: www.mobilitat.net
- 012 Citizens’ Advice
- The Radio (and particularly news stations and ones providing similar information)

 

Information provided by the Generalitat de Catalunya – Direcció General de Protecció Civil