A Siberian cold snap has hit Eastern Europe
claiming over 80 lives in the past week, and the front is heading west brining
record low temperatures to Western Europe.
People traveling to destinations as far
south as Corsica and the Croatian islands are warned they need to be prepared,
and wear appropriate clothing.
Travellers should also expect disruption or
lengthy delays on all forms of transport
Record Low Temperatures
Temperatures as low as minus 33 Celsius
have been recorded in Ukraine.
In Bulgaria 16 towns recorded their lowest temperatures since
records began over 100 years ago.
The freezing conditions have claimed lives
in Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria,
Russia, Latvia, Bosnia and Serbia.
Most of the deaths are of homeless people,
and authorities in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, and Italy are opening
emergency shelters in anticipation as the cold front sweeps down on them.
More lower than average cold temperatures
are predicted over the next week.
Throughout Western Europe heavy snowfalls
have closed roads, or made travel difficult. Italian authorities have ordered
trucks off the roads of Tuscany, Umbria and Marche until further notice.
Britain’s
Met’ Office provides comprehensive forecasts for all European destinations,
and you are advised to check with travel providers before departing on any
journeys.
Cancelation and Delay Cover
Depending on the type of cover you have,
who provides it, and the exact wording of your policy you may have cover for
expenses if your travel is cancelled or delayed.
However, in most cases your travel provider
(airline, railway, ferry company) will make arrangements to get you to your
destination, so check with them first.
Check with your insurance provider if you
are unsure about your coverage.
WorldNomads.com policyholders can sign in to their members page to view the terms and conditions of the policy they hold.
Avoiding
Hypothermia
You
can avoid hypothermia if you prevent dehydration, fatigue, cold winds, and wet
clothes.
- Dress warmly, in layers.
- Stay dry.
- Protect yourself from wind, rain, and snow. (Appropriate
wind and moisture proof clothing is best.)
If you spot any of these symptoms in yourself or others take quick action:
- Shivering. Which
starts mildly, but can become convulsive.
- Slurred speech.
- Loss of coordination. Such as difficulty zipping one's
jacket.
- Confusion.
- Apathy.
- Irrational behaviour.
Treating Hypothermia
If
the victim is unconscious, seek medical help immediately. If the victim is
conscious:
- Move them to shelter. Be very gentle their hearts are
fragile and sensitive to jarring.
- Remove wet clothes, and replace them with warm, dry
garments.
- If the victim is alert enough to hold a cup, give
warm, but not hot, liquids.
- If the victim is conscious moderate exercise such as
walking will help to generate heat.
- If the victim is unconscious wrap them in a blanket or
warm clothing and shield from further exposure.
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