This time of year can be such a tease when warm, sunny days turn into cold, snowy days with little warning. Climate changes are even more dramatic when traveling across regions, and even in temperate areas where weather shifts are less pronounced, there’s always a chance for a severe storm springing up.
So how do you plan for a temporary job where the weather can change drastically from one day to the next? Here are a few tips on how to best prepare for and react to spring’s unpredictability while on the road for locum tenens jobs.
Pack for Varying Weather Conditions
When you might encounter snow, rain, and heat all within one week, it can be hard to know what type of clothing to bring along. The best strategy is to pack items that allow you to dress in light layers instead of weather-specific clothing. For example, invest in a water- and windproof shell jacket with a fleece liner. On colder days, the soft liner will keep you warm while the outer shell will keep you dry. On warmer days, wear one or the other depending on the forecast. And, if conditions turn really ugly, you can always buy hats, gloves or scarves locally, then donate them to a shelter when the contract wraps up.
Protect Against Pollen
Your hometown may be snowed in, but your temporary city could be in full bloom. That means high pollen counts that prompt allergy attacks. Before taking off for your locum tenens contract, check the area’s pollen count on sites such Pollen.com, or download an allergy alert app for your smartphone.
Also, hotel rooms tend to attract dust mites and mold, which also trigger allergies. To lessen the likelihood of a reaction, bring your own linens, or at least a personal pillowcase.
Take Shelter in a Tornado
From the Texas Panhandle to the upper Midwest, spring storms develop quickly and can turn dangerous. If you accept an opportunity in an area prone to tornados, it’s important to know how to respond in an emergency.
According to the NOAA/National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, flying debris presents the greatest danger in a tornado, so the top priority is to find a safe place wherever you happen to be when wicked weather hits.
- Hospital: As part of your assignment orientation, you should receive the facility’s safety plan, which includes designated interior shelter areas. Plus, there should be signs posted showing where to go in case of bad weather.
- Housing: If your temporary home has a basement, that’s one of the best places to wait out a tornado. No basement? Head to the lowest level possible or an interior hallway far from windows—even a bathtub in a window-less bathroom can provide partial protection. When staying in a hotel, ask management if it has designated a safety zone.
- Car: Of course, it’s always best to stay off the roads during inclement weather, but if you find yourself behind the wheel in tornado conditions, park the car out of traffic lanes, but not under a bridge. Stay in the vehicle with the seatbelt fastened and crouch as low as possible to get below window level. Also, find something to cover yourself with, such as a blanket or jacket.
Additionally, the Center recommends taking cover under sturdy structures, like a heavy table. If that’s not an option, crouch down on the floor and cover your head with your hands or look for items to provide a protective barrier, such as a mattress.
Drive Safely in Spring Snow
One of the differences between a winter snowstorm and one that hits in spring is the temperature differential. This time of year, temperatures can drop drastically in a matter of hours, and that can lead to hazardous roads. When spring rain turns to ice and snow, try to avoid bridges, ramps, and overpasses, as these structures tend to freeze more quickly.
Whether you encounter mild conditions or wildly dramatic weather swings, the key to surviving spring locum tenens assignments is arriving prepared for anything.
