Winter Safety Tips for Your Home, Car, & Family
Winter can be a beautiful time of year with snow that covers everything like a white fluffy blanket, but it can also be a dangerous season. So what can you do to ensure your home and family are ready for winter this year? Preparation is key. We have compiled a list of tips for your home, car, and family to keep you safe this winter season.
Your Home
Winterize your home with sound insulation. Use caulk and weather-strip 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 the manufacturer's instructions. Protect your home with tips and tools from the U.S. Fire Administration.
Have a qualified technician inspect your furnace system and vents to confirm they are functioning correctly.
Check the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Keep an emergency kit in your home that includes nonperishable food, water, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, extra medicine, and baby items, if necessary.
Your Car
Ensure your tires have enough tread, and check the air pressure for winter driving.
Keep your gas tank full to help prevent ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Replace your windshield-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, a first-aid kit, blankets, a flashlight, extra batteries, a portable cell phone charger, and emergency flares.
Your Family
Check the air temperature and wind-chill factor before engaging in outdoor activities.
Take a buddy and carry a cell phone when participating in outdoor recreation.
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 inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and ensure they have water access.
Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.
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.
Outdoor Winter Safety Tips
General Tips
Take it easy. Cold puts extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris, or pushing a car, can increase the risk of a heart attack.
Don't overheat. Dress warmly, but peel layers as necessary to stay comfortable.
Slow down. Rest frequently to avoid overexertion when working outdoors. If you feel chest pain, stop. Seek help immediately.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and while you are working and playing.
Stay alert. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and warm extremities frequently.
Frostbite and Hypothermia
Frostbite is the freezing of skin and extremities on the body. The most commonly affected are the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes (your extremities). However, everyone is susceptible, even people who have lived in cold climates for most of their lives.
In very cold weather, a person's body can lose heat faster than it can produce it. The result is hypothermia or abnormally low body temperature. It can make a person sleepy, confused, and clumsy. Because it happens gradually and affects one's thinking, it may not be immediately recognized.
Dress Warmly
When going out to play after a storm, dress in snowsuits or layers of clothing, waterproof coats and boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Avoid cotton clothing or socks as they soak up water and offer little warmth. Body heat is lost through the head, so always wear a hat or hood. Cover your ears, too. They are easily subject to frostbite. Wearing gloves is also essential, and mittens are even better because fingers maintain warmth when they touch each other. Also, consider wearing a scarf to cover your mouth to protect your lungs from cold air.
