Winter Safety Tips

Surviving A Winter Storm

• Be prepared. Before cold weather hits, make sure you have a way to heat your home during a power failure.
• Keep a multi purpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby when using alternative heating sources.
• Keep on hand extra blankets, flashlights with extra batteries, matches, a first aid kit, manual can opener, snow shovel and rock salt, and special needs items.
• Stock a few days supply of water, required medications, and food that does not need to be refrigerated or cooked.
• Monitor the temperature of your home. Infants and persons over age 65 are especially susceptible to cold. If it's not possible to keep your home warm, stay with friends or family or in a shelter.
• Dress in several layers to maintain body heat. Covering up with blankets can also conserve heat.

Driving Safely In Winter

• Before winter arrives, have your car tuned up, check the level of antifreeze, make sure the battery is good, and check your tire tread or put on snow tires.
• Keep emergency gear in your car for everyday trips:
• Cell phone
• Flashlight
• Jumper Cables
• Sand or Kitty Litter
• Ice Scraper, Snow Brush, and Small Shovel
• Blankets
• Warning Devices (Flares or Reflectors)
• For long car trips, keep food, water, extra blankets, and required medication on hand.
• Avoid driving in snow or ice storms.
• If you must travel in bad weather, drive slowly.
• Let someone know what route you're taking and when you plan to arrive so they can alert authorities if you don't get there.
• If your car is parked outside, make sure the exhaust pipe and the area around it are free of snow before you start the car.
  Snow packed in or around the exhaust pipe can cause high levels of carbon monoxide in the car.
• Don't sit in a parked car with the engine running unless a window is open.
• Do not let your car run while parked in a garage.
• If your car stalls or gets stuck in snow, light two flares and place one at each end of the car, a safe distance away.
• Make sure snow has not blocked the exhaust pipe.
• Then stay in your vehicle and open a window slightly to let in fresh air.
• Wrap yourself in blankets and run your vehicle's heater for a few minutes every hour to keep warm.

Walking In Winter

• Dress in layers and wear boots with nonskid soles.
• Wear a bright scarf or hat or reflective gear so drivers can see you.
• Walk on sidewalks if possible. If sidewalks are covered in snow and ice and you must walk in the street, walk against the flow of traffic and as close to the curb as you can.
• Don't wear a hat or scarf that blocks your vision or makes it hard for you to hear traffic.
• When traveling with babies or small children, dress them in bright or reflective clothing.
• Always keep children--whether in a stroller or on foot--in front of you and as close to the curb as possible.
• Before you step off the curb, make sure oncoming cars and trucks have come to a complete stop.

Using A Snow Blower

• Read the owner's manual before starting your snow blower. Make sure you understand all the recommended safety steps.
• Make sure all people and pets are out of the way before you begin.
• Do not put your hand in the snow blower to remove impacted snow or debris. Turn the machine off and wait a few seconds. Then use a stick or broom handle to remove the material.
• Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running.
• Fill up with fuel before you start, when the engine is cool.