Winter Safety Tips
Emergency Preparedness
Clothing
Dress appropriately before going outside. The temperature
does not have to be below freezing for you to suffer
hypothermia or frostbite. Wind chill can create dangerously
cold conditions. If possible, dress in layers. A hat, scarf
and gloves or mittens are essential for protection against
winter weather.
Your Home
Keep an emergency supply kit in your home. Use your noggin,
you know what you and your family could need. Basics include a
battery or crank-powered radio, flashlights, battery-powered
lamps, extra batteries, canned food, a manual can opener,
bottled water, first aid kit, extra medications, and an alternative
heat soure (in case of power outage). Don't forget about your
pets, either. They also will need food, water, and warm bedding.
Travel
Traveling in winter can be dangerous. Allow extra time when
traveling. Monitor weather conditions, and adhere to travel advisories.
Your Vehicle
Make sure your vehicle is in proper working condition. Keep some
basics on hand, when traveling: Blankets, extra clothing,
booster cables, tools, shovel, bottled water, dried fruits and nuts,
first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flashlights and batteries,
ice scraper, rock salt (to melt ice and and to improve traction),
and road flares. Always check to see if you have a properly inflated
spare tire.
I've spent most of my life in the broadcast news media,
and was always asked to report "winter safety tips." I dug out
some scipts, to make this info available for your safety.
I have personally compiled this informartion from interviews with
officials from various local, state, and federal agencies
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