Israel is bracing for a major winter storm expected to hit on Wednesday. United Hatzalah, Israel’s fully volunteer Emergency Medical Service, is preparing for the storm all across the country.
Meteorologists have already issued snow warnings for Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, Safed, Meron, Gush Etzion and Binyamin. United Hatzalah volunteers have been outfitted with winter rescue kits which include: a snow suit, overshoes, thermal gloves and hat, and added medical gear.
Hundreds of these special storm kits, which include hypothermia blankets, are being assembled and distributed to United Hatzalah volunteers throughout Israel. In areas where snow is expected, ambulances and ambucycles are being equipped with chains.
In addition, off-road 4×4 vehicles are being mobilized by United Hatzalah across Israel to allow volunteers to administer first aid in the case of heavy snow on the roads. These vehicles will be used to transfer elderly patients to shelter and hospitals.
United Hatzalah is encouraging citizens with SUV’s, jeeps or vehicles with four wheel drive to register with the organization to assist in potential rescue situations.
Speaking on last year’s snowstorm which shut down the entire country, Chairman of United Hatzalah Zeev Kashash said in a statement, “Last year United Hatzalah organized 650 medical personnel and volunteers and received more than 12,000 inquiries and requests for medical and humanitarian assistance.”
“United Hatzalah ambulances and SUV’s operated and helped citizens in the Golan Heights, Safed, Jerusalem, Beitar Illit, Binyamin, Judea and Samaria. We established a shelter at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem and administered first aid to citizens who suffered from frostbite, hypothermia, and fractures from falling on the ice.”
In anticipation of the winter storm, Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat has issued orders to shut down the city beginning Tuesday night. Roads in and out of the capital will be blocked to traffic to prevent a repeat of cars being trapped on highways for days in 2013.
