Tips on how to be safe during a Winter Storm
Sometimes we don't realise that we should be prepared for the unforeseeable. Then we run into situations that would not be as bad if we had only taken the time to prepare for them. My mom used to say, "better safe than sorry". I think I may have mentioned that already!
Even for us here in sunny Florida, the weather does get colder than usual. I woke up the other day and my car was so wet from the dew and it was freezing cold to the touch. Any colder and there would have been ice on it! My little one was amazed at this and I explained why that happens sometimes.
When we lived in NY, I wasn't driving then, but my hubby made sure our car was stocked with all the essentials, just in case. He's pretty good at making sure that my car (now that I'm driving on my own), has all the necessities even now.
In the previous blog, the webpage I linked had information about Winter Safety for your vehicle and you, on the bottom if you scrolled down the page .
Here are some of the tips they gave:
For your vehicle:
-- Keep at least half a tank of gas in your car.
-- Make sure you have good tires.
-- Get a mechanic to do a winter check.
-- Make sure they look at your: battery, antifreeze, wipers, windshield fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, heater, brakes, defroster and oil.
-- Keep an ice scraper handy and a small broom if your area is expecting snow.
-- Flashlight and batteries.
-- Small tool kit.
-- Booster cables.
-- Bottled water.
-- Small shovel.
-- Small bag of sand to use as traction under your tires.
If you're ever trapped in a blizzard:
-- Stay in the car.
-- Only leave the car if help is visible within 100 yards.
-- Display a brightly colored cloth or other sign of trouble outside your car.
-- Turn on the car’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater and turn on the inside light when the car is running to help keep warm.
-- Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Clear the exhaust pipe of snow and if necessary open a downwind window for air.
-- Watch for signs of hypothermia. That includes loss of feeling and pale color in the skin.
-- To keep warm, do exercises, huddle together and use newspapers, maps and even inside car mats.
When outside in the cold:
-- Wear loose fitting, layered, light-weight clothes.
-- Layers can be pulled off to prevent perspiration which can quickly turn cold near the body.
-- Cover your mouth. That protects your lungs.
-- Keep dry.
I'm so glad we don't have to shovel snow anymore! Although when we used to have to do it because of living up North, we made a big 'party' of it with the kids involved! My two oldest were younger then and they loved playing around in it!
When shoveling:
-- Stretch out before you start. That can help you avoid strain.
-- Shovel only what you can lift with ease.
-- If you feel yourself running out of breath, take a significant break.
-- In general you should take frequent breaks while shoveling.
If you have to travel:
-- Do so only during the daytime.
-- Check the news or call friends for an idea of what shape the roads are in ahead of you.
-- If going on a long trip, check the weather for your destination and places along the way.
-- It could save frustration and even time to wait. Plows could clear roads and sunlight may melt ice.
If signs of Hyperthermia:<BR>
-- Seek immediate help if at all possible.
-- Slowly warm the person’s body, starting with their trunk.
-- Warm up arms and legs last because stimulation of the limbs could send cold blood to the heart and cause heart failure.
-- Put the person in dry clothing and wrap their whole body with a blanket if possible.
-- Use your own body to warm them.
-- Do not give them anything with caffeine or alcohol in it. Caffeine speeds up the heart and can intensify the effects of cold weather. Alcohol slows down the heart and therefore also speeds up some effects of cold weather.
[Sources: AP, FEMA
© 2006 MSNBC.com
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16070337/?GT1=8816 - you can go to that link to print it and keep the list handy!]
Stay safe out there JUsers!