Winter Safety Tips

 January is Winter Safety Month! Preparing ahead can make a world of difference. Here are some tips to help you be prepared this winter season!

Take precautions outdoors

• Wear proper footwear for outside conditions.
• Walk slowly in snow and icy conditions.
• Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.

Have your vehicle ready

• Make sure that your tires are in good condition and properly inflated.
• Keep a blanket, flashlight, ice scraper and kitty litter in your vehicle (kitty litter can help with traction   under tires if you get stuck).
• Visibility is important, consider new wiper blades and check your washer fluid
• Start your vehicle 5-15 minutes before driving to clear the windshield from frost; clear off excess snow on your windshield and the top of your vehicle before driving.
• Always fasten your seat belt, and it’s a state law.
• Leave earlier in snow and rain to allow more time for reduced speeds and safety.
• Slow down and keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially when the roads are icy/snowy to provide extra time to stop unexpectedly or as approaching stop signs or reduced speed zones.
• Accelerate slowly to avoid spinning out of control.

Prepare for emergencies

• Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
• Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.
• When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.
• Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including:
  • Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps.
  • Extra batteries.
  • First-aid kit and extra medicine.
  • Baby items; and
  • Cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
• Protect your family from carbon monoxide (CO).
  • Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement, and garage.
  • Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house.
  • Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds and call 911.

Prepare your home

• Winterize your home.
  • Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
  • Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
  • Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
• Check your heating systems.
  • Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
  • Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
  • Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
• If you do not have working smoke detectors, install one inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
• Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning emergencies.
  • Install a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
  • Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/winterweather/ & Home, Hope and Healing past newsletter articles