Winter Safety Tips

By Carly Flumer, Volunteer

"Oh the weather outside is frightful…”

Now that we’re in the dead of winter, it’s time to get you and your home ready for a wintry wonderland.

Here a few tips to you and your family safe and cozy during the frost-bitten temperatures:

• Make sure you have plenty of coats, scarves, and hats to bundle up in.
• Speaking of going outside, if you plan on shoveling the snow in your driveway or on the sidewalk, make sure to keep hydrated to avoid hypothermia and frostbite. All that hauling is hard work!
• If you have elderly neighbors, make sure to check on them and maybe offer to help shovel them out as well

Keeping your home safe and warm is important as well:

• Keep yourself, your family members (including your furry ones!) and things that can burn easily (such as clothing, bedding, and papers) at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
• If you have a fireplace, always keep an eye on it or use a fire screen to keep embers from flying.
• Turn off portable heaters when not in use and especially when you go to sleep.

If you plan on going out (driving) in the snow:

• Make sure your car’s heating system, brakes, and hazard lights are working properly. Also, make sure your car has enough fuel, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid.
• Keep a scraper and broom in your car at all times to help remove snow.
• Keep bottles of water and a warm blanket in your trunk in case you get stuck.

For more tips on staying safe during a deep-freeze, be sure to visit the Red Cross’s Winter Storm Safety page.