Approaching Cold Temperatures
Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead.
Although the colder weather comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of colder temperature, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.
Many people prefer to remain indoors once the colder weather sets in, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your family safe and warm during the cold months.
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.
- Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
- Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
- Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring. Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
- Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
- Keep an Home emergency kit, including: Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a weather radio, lamps and extra batteries.
Winterize yourself
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.- When planning travel be aware of the current forecasts and weather conditions at your destination
- Avoid traveling when the weather service has issued advisories.
- Work slowly when doing outside chores.
- Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches
- Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation.
- Carry a cell phone.
Winterize your Car
Make sure you have a good battery- Obtain a fresh oil change.
- Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze levels
- Change all filters; Oil and Air
- Check tire tread or, if necessary, replace tires.
- Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
- Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. The kit should include:
- cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries;
- blankets;
- food and water;
- booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction);
- compass and maps;
- flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries;
- first-aid kit; and
- plastic bags (for sanitation).
- If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival.
- Follow these safety rules if you become stranded in your car.
- Stay with your car unless safety is no more than 100 yards away, but continue to move arms and legs.
- Stay visible by putting bright cloth on the antenna, turning on the inside overhead light (when engine is running), and raising the hood when snow stops falling.
- Run the engine and heater only 10 minutes every hour.
- Keep a downwind window open.
- Make sure the tailpipe is not blocked.
Above all, be sure to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill.
If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.
No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.
