Winter Safety Tips

From LoveToKnow Safety

When the temperatures start to cool down, it's important to spend some time thinking about which winter safety tips you need to implement to enjoy a secure cold weather season.

Shoveling Snow

Temperature Related Winter Safety Tips

When the temperature starts to drop, it's essential to make sure you're observing all applicable winter safety tips for keeping yourself and your family warm. This includes making sure the temperature in your living environment is properly regulated and that you're using home heating equipment properly.

Home Heating Inspections

The fact that your central heating unit, space heater, and/or fireplace were working properly at the end of last season does not mean that they're ready for the current one. Before frigid temperatures set in, get a professional to conduct a safety inspection of your heating units as well as your fireplace's flue and chimney.

If any potential risks are found, act immediately to remedy them. If you'll be using space heaters, make sure your rooms have proper ventilation and that the units are not placed near anything flammable or that otherwise poses a danger. Using unsafe heating systems can result in fire, injuries, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you have a central gas heater, use gas powered space heaters, or have a fire place, install a sufficient quantity of carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Even if you already have detectors, make sure they are in proper working order and go ahead and change the batteries so you can be certain that they're fresh.

Protect Your Plumbing

When temperatures dip below freezing, it's important to take steps to prevent ruptured plumbing. To prevent burst pipes, leave water dripping slightly so that water is constantly running through them to reduce the chances of freezing. Additionally, open the cabinets in which indoor pipes are housed so they are exposed to the warmest temperatures in your home. Outdoor pipes should be wrapped with sufficient insulation to reduce exposure to the elements.

Winter Storm Preparations

If you live in an area prone to winter storms, it's important to plan for their occurrence early in the season. Don't wait until the last minute to prepare your home for winter storms and to stock up on the supplies you might during a serious snow or ice storm.

Supplies include:

Battery powered radio
NOAA weather radio
Flashlights and lanterns, with spare batteries
Drinking water
Non-perishable food that doesn't require cooking
Baby food and formula (if needed)
Pet food
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Rock salt (to melt snow on sidewalks and driveways)
Sand or cat litter (to make sidewalks and driveways safe to walk on)

Winter Activity Tips

In addition to making sure that your home is prepared and stocked to deal with the winter weather situations that you can expect as the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it's also important to consider winter safety tips for the activities that you and the other members of your family are likely to participate in this time of year.

Dress Appropriately

When heading outdoors to participate in wintertime activities, whether you'll be hiking, skiing, shoveling snow from your driveway, or any other outdoor activity, make sure that you dress warmly. It's wise to dress in layers when you'll be exerting yourself in frigid temperatures so that you can start out properly insulated and then shed layers as your body temperature starts to rise as a result of your level of activity.

Use Properly Maintained Equipment

Many winter sports require specific equipment. Make sure that your equipment is in good condition and properly maintained. For example, snow skis need to be properly waxed, ice skate blades need to be sharpened, and snowmobiles should be serviced at the beginning of each season. It's also important to make sure that sized items, such as snow ski boots and ice skates, are properly fitted. Because children grow so rapidly, there's a good chance they'll need a larger size each season.

Winterize Your Vehicle

Make sure you're prepared to travel back and forth to your winter activities, as well as to work and to school, by preparing your car for the coldest months of the year. Prior to the first freezing nights of winter sure that all fluids are changed and full, especially antifreeze and oil. Keep a scraper on hand to remove ice from your windows and windshield. If you live in an area where chains and snow tires are needed, get prepared in time for the first snowfall.