Winter Safety Tips

Here are some tips from the Dept. of Homeland Security:

Prepare your Home:

• Winterize your home with sound insulation. Use caulk and weather-strips frames for your doors and windows.
• Heat your home safely. If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or portable space heater, be extremely careful and follow manufacturer's instructions. Protect your home with tips and tools from the U.S. Fire Administration. 
• Have your furnace system and vents inspected by qualified technicians to make sure they are working properly.
• Check the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• Take steps to make sure your pipes don't freeze. Realtor.com has some great tips. 
• Keep an emergency kit in your home that includes non-perishable food, water, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, extra medicines, and baby items, if necessary

Prepare your car:

• Make sure tires have enough tread and that they are properly inflated for winter driving.
• Keep your gas tank full to help prevent ice in the gas tank and fuel lines.
• Replace your wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
• Check antifreeze levels and have the radiator system serviced.
• Equip your car with an emergency kit that includes water, snacks, first-aid kits, blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, portable cell phone charger, and emergency flares.

Prepare your family:

• Check the air temperature and wind-chill factor before engaging in outdoor activities.
• When participating in outdoor recreation, take a buddy and carry a cell phone.
• Dress in layers of light and warm clothing. Keep your feet, hands, and head well covered.
• Avoid overexertion when engaging in outdoor tasks, such as shoveling snow. Take breaks when you feel tired or strained.
• If you have pets, bring them indoors.  If you cannot bring them indoors, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to food and water. 
• Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches. You can also buy pet-friendly ice melt products at most retail stores. 
• Be prepared for an emergency. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Seek emergency help right away if numbness or pain doesn't go away.

Taking preventative action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home, car, and family in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems. For more winter weather safety tips, visit the CDC website. 

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Payton Photography.