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| Winter Driving - Check the weather report and heed precautions and advisories.
- Scrape all windows for clear vision.
- Ensure your defroster is operating correctly
- SLOW DOWN!
- Accelerate slowly/brake gently to avoid sliding on ice covered roads
- Be on alert for Black ice.
- Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Leave early.
- Does someone know your travel plans?
Vehicles: - Check Antifreeze
- Check Wipers
- Check Lights
- Check Heater/Defroster
- Check Tires for proper pressure
- Check Brakes for proper operation
- Tune Up Engine
- Check Hoses/Belts
- Check For Jack, Lug Wrench, Spare Tire (in good condition)
Winter Survival Kit - Blankets
- Food/Water, estimate 24 to 48 hour supply
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Warm Gloves
- Shovel
- Jumper Cables
- Ice Scrapper/Brush
- Tire Chains
- Salt/Kitty Litter
- First Aid Kit
- Flares
- Small Tool Kit
- Tow Rope
- Coveralls
- Cell Phone
Fireplaces - Inspect them annually for deposit build up
- Check for cracks
- Use a screen to control sparks
- Gas fireplace? Check all connections and lines for leaks
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning - Install CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of accumulating CO.
- CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area.
- Test CO alarms at least once a month, and replace CO alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle, generator, or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
- During and after a snow storm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
- Have fuel-burning household heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood and coal stoves, space or portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in.
- When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Only use barbecue grills – which can produce CO – outside. Never use them in the home or garage.
- When purchasing new heating and cooking equipment, select products tested and labeled by an independent testing laboratory.
- When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house.
- When camping, remember to use battery-powered heaters and flashlights in tents trailers, and motor homes.
- CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home and in or outside all sleeping areas.
- Know the difference between the sound of the smoke alarms and the sound of the CO alarms.
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 multipurpose, 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 (e.g., diapers).
- 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.
Clearing snow and ice - Dress warmly, paying special attention to feet, hands, nose, and ears.
- Avoid shoveling snow if you are out of shape. If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel snow unless your doctor says it's okay.
- Do light warm-up exercises before shoveling and take frequent breaks.
- If possible, push snow in front of you. If you have to lift it, pick up small amounts and lift with your legs, not your back. Do not toss snow over your shoulder or to the side.
- Don't drink alcohol before or while shoveling snow. Never smoke while shoveling.
- Use rock salt or de-icing compounds to remove ice from steps, walkways, and sidewalks. Sand placed on walkways may also help prevent slipping.
- If you use a snow blower (also called a snow thrower), follow these safety guidelines:
- 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.
Hypothermia Hypothermia results from exposure to low temperatures, wind and moisture over a period of time. It can occur on the ski hill, in a car, falling in water that is cold or anywhere else where these factors exist that cause the body temperature to falls below normal. When conditions exist to pose a risk of hypothermia be observant and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect or observe any symptoms which can include: - Complaints about being cold and irritability.
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Impaired or slurred speech or vision
- Clumsy movements
- Blurred vision.
- Severe symptoms can include stiff muscles, dark and puffy skin, irregular heart and breathing rates and unconsciousness.
Frostbite Frostbite results from exposure to low temperatures, wind and moisture over a period of time. It can occur anywhere outside during cold temperatures. There are two degrees of frostbite: - Superficial frostbite that looks like grey or yellowish patches on the skin, especially, fingers, toes, face, ears but can occur on any exposed skin. The first symptoms are usually numbness or itching and prickly pain. The skin remains soft but becomes red and flaky after it thaws.
- Deep or Severe Frostbite looks like waxy and pale skin and feels cold, hard and solid to the touch. The areas turn blue or purple when thawing and large blisters may appear when the area warms up.
What to do if you suspect frostbite: - As soon as you suspect frostbite, get out of the cold and to a warm place.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Warm affected area with warm body part.
- Remove any tight clothing to increase circulation.
- If affected area is partially thawed, place in warm (not hot) water (102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit). If the water is too cool, thawing will take too long. It takes about 20 to 40 minutes for tissues to soften.
- Have the victim drink warm fluids to help increase circulation and warm the body - no caffeine or alcohol.
- NEVER rub or massage the affected area and never put snow or ice on the frostbite. The area can be protected with a fluffy clean bandage and aloe vera cream can be applied.
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