{"id":2418,"date":"2023-09-01T16:44:36","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T14:44:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dovidka.info\/informations\/pidgotovka-do-zymy-v-umovah-vijny\/"},"modified":"2026-03-30T11:55:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T09:55:13","slug":"blackout-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"informations","link":"https:\/\/dovidka.info\/en\/blackout-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Blackout"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In case of an emergency, for example, a blackout, a number of establishments such as shops, pharmacies and banks may be closed. Make sure that you have a supply of food, water, medicine, cash and required things.<\/p>\n

In the event of hostilities, the supply of electricity, water, gas, heat, telephone, mobile network, Internet, ATMs and bank terminals, shops and pharmacies may be completely or partially blocked.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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\n How to dress outside in winter so as not to freeze? <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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In case of an emergency situation in winter \u2013 evacuation, long-term absence of heating due to a blackout, forced long stay outside, etc \u2013 it\u2019s important to take care of warm clothes.<\/p>\n

Tourist clothing from proven manufacturers will protect you from the cold the best. It\u2019s of high quality and designed for different temperature conditions. It\u2019s better not to choose military clothes (camouflaged or green) for the civilian people in wartime. Instead, the military suggests using a special system of clothing for cold weather\u00a0(Extended Cold Weather Clothing System<\/b>). It was developed for the American military.<\/p>\n

A seven-layer system of clothing for cold weather includes:<\/b><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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The first layer.\u00a0<\/b>Underwear that wicks away moisture (shouldn\u2019t make you warm)<\/p>\n

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The second layer.\u00a0<\/b>Warming underwear<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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The third layer.\u00a0<\/b>Fleece jacket (fleece items can\u2019t be worn on the naked body)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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The fourth layer.\u00a0<\/b>Light windproof jacket (protects against wind and moisture)<\/p>\n

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The fifth layer. Softshell<\/b>\u00a0jacket (protects against wind and moisture)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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The sixth layer.\u00a0<\/b>Warming jacket with membrane fabric (this is a breathable surface that doesn\u2019t allow wind and moisture to pass through)<\/p>\n

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The seventh layer.\u00a0<\/b>Warmer (for extremely cold weather)<\/p>\n

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These layers should be combined depending on the weather, conditions and activity.<\/p>\n

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  1. If in the cold season you\u2019re outside for a long time (for example, standing in line at the border or at a block post) and don\u2019t have the opportunity to move actively, wear all 7 layers.<\/li>\n
  2. If you have the opportunity to move, refuse the upper layers, because it\u2019ll be hard and hot for you.<\/li>\n
  3. If the temperature outside is from +5 to +10, the first 4 layers will effectively protect against cold. And at night you can add the 5th layer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How to choose thermal underwear?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

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    1. \u00a0<\/b>Give preference to travel brands.<\/li>\n
    2. Wear two layers of thermal underwear:\n
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      • The first layer, designed to withdraw moisture, should be made of synthetic material.<\/li>\n
      • The second layer \u2013 a thin fleece or synthetic material with the addition of wool \u2013 should make you warm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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        1. Don\u2019t confuse the first and second layers of thermal underwear. If you wear only fleece, moisture will not escape and you will sweat quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Shoes\u00a0<\/b>are also the best to choose among tourist and trekking ones.<\/p>\n

          Check that it is:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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            not tight<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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            leather<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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            with a layer of Gore-tech (\u201cbreathable\u201d fabric that doesn\u2019t allow moisture to pass through) on top<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

          • <\/i>\n
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            \u00a0with warmer such as Thinsulate and PrimaLoft (not fur, because then your foot will be wet)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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            with a VIBRAM sole<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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            You should also remember about a scarf, hat and gloves. The latter should be chosen from water-repellent fabric.<\/p>\n

            How to warm up when you got cold\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

            If you\u2019re outside<\/b>\u00a0and realize that you\u2019re cold:<\/p>\n

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            • move more: this will help improve blood circulation and keep you warm<\/li>\n
            • if possible, drink hot tea<\/li>\n
            • don\u2019t rub snow on pale skin<\/li>\n
            • frozen hands can be quickly warmed under the armpits<\/li>\n
            • hide from the wind<\/li>\n
            • try to find a place where you can keep warm<\/li>\n
            • if you\u2019re in the forest, light a fire, remove and dry your clothes (exercise at this time)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Consider that thermoregulation is not established in children, and it may be impaired in the elderly. These categories of people are most susceptible to hypothermia.<\/p>\n

              If you got cold and entered the building:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

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              • don\u2019t immediately step to a hot battery or dive into a hot bath, as recovery should be gradual<\/li>\n
              • don\u2019t drink alcohol: it increases metabolism and promotes heat transfer<\/li>\n
              • remove wet clothing<\/li>\n
              • wear warm woolen clothes<\/li>\n
              • cover yourself with a blanket<\/li>\n
              • drink warm milk or tea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                If the room is cold,\u00a0<\/b>you can use a\u00a0heating pad\u00a0<\/b>to warm up. Which one to choose?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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                If you\u2019re stationary most of the time and have electricity, choose an\u00a0electrical heating pad.<\/b><\/p>\n

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                a cheaper option is an\u00a0ordinary heating pad for filling<\/b>\u00a0with hot water (for several hours)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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                if it\u2019s not possible to buy heating pad, you can use an ordinary\u00a0plastic bottle<\/b>\u00a0with hot water (but not boiling water) instead<\/p>\n

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                If you have to move, you can buy a\u00a0chemical heater<\/b>\u00a0(disposable, designed to warm hands or feet in critical cases for 5-6 hours). It can\u2019t be applied to a naked body \u2013 there must be a layer of clothing.<\/p>\n

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                the most expensive option is a\u00a0catalytic heating pad<\/b>\u00a0(for 5-6 hours, convenient, small size). It is filled with gasoline for lighters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                What to do with frostbite<\/b><\/p>\n

                Most frostbite occurs on the fingers and toes, nose, ears and cheeks.\u00a0Signs<\/b>\u00a0of frostbite:<\/b><\/p>\n

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                • lethargy, fatigue and drowsiness<\/li>\n
                • chills, shivering<\/li>\n
                • decrease in body temperature<\/li>\n
                • finger pain<\/li>\n
                • loss of consciousness<\/li>\n
                • weak breathing<\/li>\n
                • the frostbite part of the body becomes pale, cold and insensitive\n

                  How to help:\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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                  Determine the degree of frostbite.<\/p>\n

                  I degree<\/i><\/b>\u00a0\u2013 pale skin, edema, reduced sensitivity
                  \nII degree<\/i><\/b>\u00a0\u2013 blisters filled with transparent or white liquid
                  \nIII degree<\/i><\/b>\u00a0\u2013 skin necrosis, blisters filled with dark red liquid
                  \nIV degree<\/i><\/b>\u00a0\u2013 blisters filled with black liquid<\/p>\n

                  With the\u00a0I degree\u00a0<\/i><\/b>of frostbite, you need to warm the relevant parts of the body with warm hands, light massage or breathing. Next, you should apply a clean cloth bandage.<\/p>\n

                  With\u00a0II \u2013 IV degrees\u00a0<\/i><\/b>of frostbite, massage can\u2019t be done. It\u2019s necessary to apply bandage immediately. The relevant parts of the body should be immobilized and covered with something warm (blanket, woolen fabric, etc.)<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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                  If possible, take the person to a warm place. Remove wet clothes, shoes, socks and gloves from him. This should be done carefully, without effort, so as not to harm more.<\/p>\n

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                  If possible, call an ambulance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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                  If the person is conscious, give him warm tea.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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                  Constantly look after the person until the arrival of doctors and (or) his transportation to the hospital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                  What can\u2019t be done with frostbite<\/b><\/p>\n

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                  • intensively rub the frostbitten part of the body<\/li>\n
                  • warm frostbitten areas near a fire, or use heating pads or other sources of heat<\/li>\n
                  • use oils and fats on the affected areas, rub the limbs with alcohol<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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                    \n Not Visible on the Road: How to Choose and Properly Wear Reflective Elements <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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                    In the dark, a pedestrian can be almost invisible to drivers. Even at a pedestrian crossing, this does not guarantee safety: in rain, on wet asphalt, or in poor lighting, a person’s silhouette blends into the surroundings. At best, a driver may notice a pedestrian from 30\u201340 meters away \u2014 which is critically insufficient to brake in time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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                    Reflective elements \u2014 also known as reflectors or “flickers” \u2014 help pedestrians stay visible on the road. With reflectors, visibility increases to <\/span>130\u2013200 meters<\/b> (with low-beam headlights), giving drivers enough time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    A Requirement, Not Advice: What Traffic Rules Say<\/b><\/p>\n

                    Pedestrians are full participants in road traffic and have both rights and responsibilities. Wearing reflective elements in the dark is not just a recommendation or an accessory \u2014 it is a direct requirement under <\/span>Ukraine’s Traffic Rules<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    According to clause <\/span>4.4 of the Traffic Rules<\/b> (as amended in November 2020):<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Pedestrians moving along the roadway or shoulder in the dark or in conditions of limited visibility must use reflective elements (tape, stickers, vests, etc.) or wear clothing with reflective elements to ensure they are visible to other road users in time.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

                    How to Choose an Effective Reflector<\/b><\/p>\n

                    A reflector does not emit light on its own \u2014 it reflects headlights back toward the driver, making the pedestrian visible in the dark. Its effectiveness depends on material quality and how it is selected.<\/span><\/p>\n

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                    Selection criteria:<\/b><\/p>\n

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                    • Reflectivity coefficient.<\/b> The higher the value (measured in candelas per square meter), the earlier a driver will see you. For everyday use, <\/span>300\u2013500 cd\/m\u00b2<\/b> is sufficient. Look for safety standards such as<\/span> EN 13356<\/b> or <\/span>EN ISO 20471<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\n
                    • Color.<\/b> Choose high-contrast, highly visible colors: <\/span>yellow, lime, white, or silver<\/b>. Decorative colors (pink, blue) are less effective.<\/span><\/li>\n
                    • Attachment and durability.<\/b> The fastening should be secure so the element does not fall off or turn inward. A good reflector should be moisture-resistant, hold up in rain, and not peel off.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Types of Reflective Elements and Their Use<\/b><\/p>\n

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                      • Vests and bands<\/b> \u2014 provide maximum visibility; best for roadsides, highways, and areas without sidewalks.<\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Patches and strips<\/b> \u2014 durable and washable; ideal for outerwear.<\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Self-adhesive stickers<\/b> \u2014 easy to apply on backpacks, bags, clothing, shoes, or vehicles (bicycles, scooters); suitable for city use.<\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Keychains and pendants<\/b> \u2014 convenient for attaching to bags or backpacks.<\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Reflective paint<\/b> \u2014 used on bicycles, helmets, scooters, strollers, and clothing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Before choosing reflectors, consider how many you need and where they should be placed to ensure you have them with you at all times \u2014 regardless of what you are wearing.<\/span><\/p>\n

                        If you rely only on separate accessories, they are easy to forget at home. To avoid this, choose options that stay with you constantly \u2014 for example, a keychain on your bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

                        Reflective elements integrated into clothing or regularly used accessories help ensure visibility in any situation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                        Type<\/b><\/td>\nAdvantages<\/b><\/td>\nDisadvantages<\/b><\/td>\nBest use cases<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                        Self-adhesive stickers<\/b><\/td>\nEasy to apply, inexpensive<\/span><\/td>\nMay peel off<\/span><\/td>\nCity use, everyday walks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                        Patches and strips<\/b><\/td>\nDurable, resistant to washing<\/span><\/td>\nRequire time to attach<\/span><\/p>\n

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                        		Outerwear (especially in winter)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                        Keychains and pendants<\/b><\/td>\nEasy to carry<\/span><\/td>\nMay get lost<\/span><\/td>\nClearly visible from behind<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                        Vests and bands<\/b><\/td>\nMaximum visibility, comfortable<\/span><\/p>\n

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                        		More expensive, not always stylish<\/span><\/td>\nRoadsides, highways, areas without sidewalks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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                        Key Rules for Wearing Reflectors<\/b><\/p>\n

                        Even having a reflector does not guarantee safety if it is worn incorrectly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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                        1. Size matters.<\/b> The reflective surface area is critical.<\/b> Recommended minimum: approximately\u00a0 <\/span>15 cm\u00b2 on each side of the body.<\/b><\/li>\n
                        2. Placement \u2014 higher and on moving parts.<\/b> Place reflectors<\/span> higher <\/b>(shoulders, backpack, chest, arms), rather than too low (like shoes), where they may be obscured. Reflectors on moving body parts (arms and legs) make pedestrians more noticeable.<\/span><\/li>\n
                        3. Coverage from all sides.<\/b> Attach reflectors<\/span> on all sides<\/b> (front, back, and sides) and <\/span>at different heights <\/b>to remain visible from any direction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          Common Mistakes<\/b><\/p>\n

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                          • Reflector only on one side <\/b>\u2014 insufficient for multi-directional traffic.<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Too small<\/b> \u2014 a single small keychain does not provide enough reflective surface area.<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • \u201cI wear light clothing, so I\u2019m visible\u201d<\/b> \u2014 light clothing helps but <\/span>does not replace reflectors.<\/b><\/li>\n
                          • Dirty or worn reflector <\/b>\u2014 dirt and damage reduce effectiveness; replace when needed.<\/span><\/li>\n
                          • Wearing reflectors only for long trips <\/b>\u2014 most incidents happen close to home.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            How to Care for Reflectors<\/b><\/p>\n

                            To maintain effectiveness:<\/span><\/p>\n

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                            • do not wash with bleach;<\/span><\/li>\n
                            • do not iron reflective surfaces;<\/span><\/li>\n
                            • air-dry only.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Special Categories of Pedestrians<\/b><\/p>\n

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                              • Children.<\/b> Less visible due to their height \u2014 use <\/span>multiple reflectors<\/b> (head, backpack, jacket, legs).<\/span> Choose options that are difficult to remove.<\/b><\/li>\n
                              • Infants (strollers\/sleds).<\/b> Add reflectors to the stroller \u2014 it enters the road before the adult pushing it.<\/span><\/li>\n
                              • Runners and cyclists.<\/b> Add reflectors to <\/span>helmets, backpacks, and frames<\/b>; use wrist\/ankle<\/span> bands<\/b> and reflective <\/span>vests.<\/b><\/li>\n
                              • Pets.<\/b> Attach reflectors to collars or use light-up accessories; in winter, choose reflective clothing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Additional Safety Tips<\/b><\/p>\n

                                Even with reflectors:<\/span><\/p>\n

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                                • wear light or bright clothing;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                • cross only at designated crossings;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                • make sure the driver sees you before stepping onto the road;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                • use a flashlight in the dark;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                • lower your headphone volume and avoid phone distractions;<\/span><\/li>\n
                                • teach children safe road behavior and accompany them after dark.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
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                                  \n How to warm up the dwelling <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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                                  Make sure that your home is efficiently heated in winter and that there is no heat loss in the house or flat. Effective home insulation will also help reduce the numbers in heating bills.<\/p>\n

                                  How to warm up your home for winter \u2013 see the video for clear steps:<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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