The most
talked about subject these last few days has been what Old Man Winter will be
throwing at us this week so it seems only natural to remind you of some cold
weather safety tips as many places reach dangerous even life – threatening
temperatures.
talked about subject these last few days has been what Old Man Winter will be
throwing at us this week so it seems only natural to remind you of some cold
weather safety tips as many places reach dangerous even life – threatening
temperatures.
Limit outdoor
activity. Dress in layers, covering all exposed skin including Just like Mom
told you years ago. In extreme cold you
can experience frostbite in as little as 10 minutes. The areas most vulnerable to developing frostbite are your hands, feet
and head. Use hats, mittens, gloves and
a scarf to protect your lungs. Know
the symptoms of cold related illness’ and injury. Without
proper care and attention, frostbite could lead to permanent nerve and tissue
damage.
activity. Dress in layers, covering all exposed skin including Just like Mom
told you years ago. In extreme cold you
can experience frostbite in as little as 10 minutes. The areas most vulnerable to developing frostbite are your hands, feet
and head. Use hats, mittens, gloves and
a scarf to protect your lungs. Know
the symptoms of cold related illness’ and injury. Without
proper care and attention, frostbite could lead to permanent nerve and tissue
damage.
1.
Check
on their family, friends and neighbors who may be at risk and in need of
additional assistance during the heavy snow and freezing cold. The very young and the very old are most susceptible.
Those with limited blood circulation like smokers or with increased blood
circulation to the face — like alcoholics — are also at an increased risk for
developing frostbite.
Check
on their family, friends and neighbors who may be at risk and in need of
additional assistance during the heavy snow and freezing cold. The very young and the very old are most susceptible.
Those with limited blood circulation like smokers or with increased blood
circulation to the face — like alcoholics — are also at an increased risk for
developing frostbite.
2. Minimize travel, but to keep a full tank of gas and an
emergency preparedness kit—including warm clothing—inside their vehicles if
they must drive somewhere.
emergency preparedness kit—including warm clothing—inside their vehicles if
they must drive somewhere.
3. Extreme cold temperatures will also pose a challenge to
physical structures themselves, as pipes may freeze and heating systems are
continuously running:
physical structures themselves, as pipes may freeze and heating systems are
continuously running:
- To
avoid frozen pipes, keep water running at a trickle. Open cabinet doors to
sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Keep garage doors
closed if there are water lines in the garage. - Keep
thermostats at the same temperature, day and night.
4. Space
heaters should be placed on a hard, level surface at least three feet away
from anything flammable. Turn them off before going to bed. Never refuel a
kerosene heater inside the home.
heaters should be placed on a hard, level surface at least three feet away
from anything flammable. Turn them off before going to bed. Never refuel a
kerosene heater inside the home.
5. Use
a glass or metal screen with a fireplace to catch sparks and rolling logs.
a glass or metal screen with a fireplace to catch sparks and rolling logs.
6. Never
use a generator inside a home, including in the basement or the garage.
use a generator inside a home, including in the basement or the garage.
7. Carbon
Monoxide is another danger. Don’t heat your car with the garage door closed so
as not to fill your home with car exhaust. Don’t use your stove/oven to heat
your home.
Monoxide is another danger. Don’t heat your car with the garage door closed so
as not to fill your home with car exhaust. Don’t use your stove/oven to heat
your home.
8. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can
bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must
shovel snow, stretch before going outside. Seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must
shovel snow, stretch before going outside. Seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
9. Charge cell phones and necessary other
devices.
devices.
Don’t forget your pets. Bring them indoors.
- Dogs
can lose their sense of smell in snow and become easily lost. - Thoroughly
wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals
while licking his paws and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted
ice. - . During the winter,
outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is
started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor
cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to
give the cat a chance to escape. - . Make
sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away
from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is
perfect.
You can read more information about winter preparedness here:
Stay indoors.
Use common sense; don’t put yourself or others at risk. if your must go out bundle – up
Use common sense; don’t put yourself or others at risk. if your must go out bundle – up