While we were in the Swiss Alps, a huge avalanche came roaring down the mountain and buried us! Saint Bernard dogs trained to find people in deep snow or in avalanches came to our rescue. That’s why we’re here today! We owe our lives to those brave dogs.
Avalanches happen fast. You hear a roar, and before you know it, tons of snow comes thundering down. Avalanches can cover villages, roads, and skiers in minutes.
1. Avalanches are most likely to occur when the weather has been warmer than usual or shortly after a heavy snowfall or storm. Look for warning signs along the trails.
2. If you hear the rumble of an avalanche, let go of your ski poles, backpacks, snowboards, and skis.
3. You can’t outrun the wall of snow. Avalanches reach speeds of over eighty miles an hour. The greatest amount of snow is in the middle. If possible, try running to the outer edges.
4. Grab on to anything you can find, like a tree trunk.
5. As the snow begins to cover you, try swimming through it. Use your arms like a swimmer, and kick your legs up toward the surface.
6. After an avalanche covers you, it can be confusing to figure out which way is up. As the snow barrels down, quickly hold one arm over your head so that it points up to the surface.
7. Curl into a ball and turn your head back and forth. This will make a space so you can breathe.
8. Until you can hear rescuers nearby, don’t yell. You’ll use up valuable oxygen, and the heavy snow will muffle your voice.
9. Try to stay calm until help arrives. There are people and dogs trained as avalanche rescuers. They’ll be doing their best to find you.
