Emergency warning for March 7, 2026.

      Dear citizens! The Federal State Budgetary Institution "Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring of the Republic of Tatarstan" has issued: Consultation - a warning about the intensity of meteorological phenomena from 2 PM to 6 PM on March 7, 2026. In the second half of the day and evening on March 7, 2026, blizzards are expected in some areas of the Republic of Tatarstan and in Kazan, with visibility deteriorating to 1-2 km and strong winds with gusts of 15-17 m/s.

      The Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the Republic of Tatarstan informs: How to act during a strong blizzard. Only leave buildings in exceptional cases. It is prohibited to go out alone. Inform family members or neighbors where you are going and when you will return. In a car, you can only move on major roads and highways. When exiting the vehicle, do not stray beyond visibility. If you stop on the road, signal for help with intermittent honks, raise the hood or hang a bright cloth on the antenna, and wait for assistance in the vehicle. You can leave the engine running, slightly opening the window for ventilation and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. If you lose your orientation while walking outside populated areas, enter the first house you find, clarify your location, and, if possible, wait for the blizzard to end. If you are losing strength, seek shelter and stay there. Be careful and cautious when interacting with unfamiliar people, as the number of thefts from cars, apartments, and offices sharply increases during natural disasters.

      If you find yourself blocked in a building due to heavy snowdrifts, cautiously and without panic, check if there is a way to dig yourself out (using available tools and improvised means). Notify the emergency management office or the local administration about the nature of the snowdrifts and the possibility of clearing them yourself. If you cannot clear the snowdrift on your own, try to establish contact with rescue services. Turn on a radio receiver (TV) and follow the instructions of local authorities. Take measures to keep warm and conserve food supplies.

      To drivers: Drivers, especially those planning long-distance trips, need to pay special attention to the technical condition of their vehicles. Check the weather forecast for the next day or two, depending on the time of travel. Before a long trip in cold weather, take care of your vehicle's insulation in advance. Before the trip, check the engine and battery, stock up on fuel, and fill in good antifreeze. It is important not to refuel at unverified gas stations, as low-quality fuel can cause problems. You should stock up on warm clothes and food, and don’t forget a charger for your mobile phone.

      Check for a pump, tow rope, wheel wrench, and jack. Before leaving, check for a pump, tow rope, wheel wrench, and jack. It’s also a good idea to throw a set of jumper cables in the trunk. If resources allow, it’s advisable to have a portable jump starter based on a compact lithium battery.

      Emergency kit: The emergency kit should contain: a mobile phone charger and spare battery, warm clothing and blankets, a brush for removing snow and ice from the windshield, a small shovel to free the wheels from snow if necessary; a flashlight and a set of batteries for it, a first aid kit, food and drink, an axe and a folding saw, a pack of "dry fuel," a lighter, a mini stove, and a pot.

      Inform about the updated travel route and estimated arrival time: Before the trip, inform family members, neighbors, and friends about the updated travel route and estimated return time. If trouble occurs on the road, use modern communication means – this will significantly speed up the response time of rescue services. When contacting rescuers, indicate your location, distinctive features of the area, the number of people in the vehicle, their ages, whether there are sick individuals or children, and be sure to provide your and your relatives' contact phone numbers. Take measures to conserve battery charge.

      If a breakdown occurs on the highway: Place warning signs in front of and behind the vehicle; this can be a cut tree or any protruding objects. If the car is running, slightly open the window for ventilation and to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. For long stops or overnight stays, position the vehicle against the wind to prevent exhaust gases from entering the open windows of the cabin and passenger compartment. For your safety, periodically check the wind direction. It is also important to ensure that the exhaust pipe is not blocked by ice or snow. If your vehicle breaks down, do not panic, dial the unified emergency service number "101," report your problem, and provide your location coordinates. Take measures to keep warm and conserve your food supplies. Try to stock up on firewood; if unavailable, you can burn combustible materials, which are usually plentiful.

      To drivers:

      1. When driving in these conditions, avoid unnecessary lane changes, overtaking, and passing;

      2. Pay attention to the technical condition of the vehicle, especially the braking system and tire condition;

      3. Avoid sudden braking; if you need to stop, reduce speed gradually;

      4. Press the brake pedal several times to signal drivers of vehicles behind you;

      5. All lights should be in working order;

      6. Drive at a speed that ensures safety in busy traffic areas, near schools, at intersections and bridges, as well as on turns and descents.

      Pedestrians are advised:

      1. Be extremely careful when crossing streets and roads;

      2. Cross the street only at designated pedestrian crossings, remembering that due to poor visibility and slippery road surfaces, drivers need more time to stop their vehicles;

      3. Use, if possible, only overpasses or underpasses to cross the roadway;

      4. Do not run across the road in front of moving vehicles;

      5. Move only against the flow of traffic;

      6. Use a high-visibility vest or attach reflective elements to your clothing.