Magen David Adom is busy preparing ahead of this week’s expected snowstorm, which may begin blanketing Jerusalem sometime late Monday, Tu B’Shevat. The stormy weather already began on Shabbos and a sharp drop in temperatures accompanied increasing rains and periodic thunderstorms on Sunday.

MDA warns residents to prepare, stocking up on basic foods and water, as well as words of advice to prevent thermal injury from expected colder than seasonable temperatures.

Chains are being applied to ambulances where required and dozens of four-wheel drive vehicles are being deployed in areas where heavier snowfall is expected. Paid employees will be working longer shifts and volunteers have been activated and encouraged to sign up for shifts as additional manpower will be deployed.

In past storms MDA also placed EMS personnel in police cars equipped with chains, permitting a medical responder to assist those in need as they wait for an ambulance, or in cases in which a patient is ambulatory, transporting him in the police vehicle to free up the ambulance for more urgent cases.

MDA personnel are reviewing instructions and regulations for operating in inclement weather, especially drivers who will be operating vehicles in the snow.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)