Winter Weather Safety Rules!
How to stay safe this winter!
1. Dressing for cold weather:
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Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing.
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Wear mittens instead of gloves. Wear a hat.
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Remember that entrapped, insulating air, warmed by body
heat is the best protection from the cold.
2. Avoid Overexertion: The strain from cold temperatures and
heavy labor such as shoveling, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow may cause
a heart attack in older and less physically fit individuals.
3. Winterize Your Vehicle Early: Be prepared against the first blast of
winter. Avoid automobile gas line freeze ups by keeping your tank greater
than half full at all times.
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Make sure that your car has adequate antifreeze.
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Make sure that your tires have good traction and are inflated
to the right pressure.
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Make sure that your heater and defroster work properly.
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Make sure that your battery is not more than 3 years old
and that it can carry a full charge.
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Make sure that you have a good ice scraper.
4. Carry a Winter-Survival Safety Kit in your vehicle:
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Bring along blankets and a bright piece of cloth to tie
on your antenna if you become stranded.
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Flashlight with spare batteries.
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Extra change of clothing to keep dry.
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Non-perishable foods such as candy bars, canned goods, or
high calorie food like Power Bars.
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A can and waterproof matches (used to melt snow for drinking
water).
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A compass, shovel and sand, tow rope, and jumper cables.
5. Before traveling:
- Check the latest road conditions before you head out into Winter
weather.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you think you will reach your
destination.
6. If you become stranded in your vehicle during a Winter storm:
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Stay in your car, truck, or minivan.
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Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat.
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Maintain proper ventilation by making sure the exhaust pipe
is not plugged.
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Leave the windows open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide
poisoning.
- Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or
door handle.
- Turn on the dome light at night, but only when running the engine.
7. At home, do the following before Winter becomes a reality:
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Have your furnace checked before you need to use it.
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Seal any windows that you suspect allow cold air into the
house with caulking or plastic.
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Include a home safety kit that includes extra non-perishable
food, medicine, and a battery operated radio.
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Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.
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Keep candles and matches handy for extended periods of electrical
loss.
8. If you lose heat in your home:
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Seal off any unused rooms by stuffing towels or rags in
the cracks under the door.
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Cover the windows with blankets or sheets at night if you
have some extras available.
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Use only devices that are designed for heating indoors during
as emergency heat source and handle all safety precautions.
9. Install and test smoke alarms in your home:
- Have fire extinguishers checked to combat an accidental fire
due to the use of alternative heat sources.
Feel free to print this out and keep it handy
all winter long!