Winter Weather Safety Tips
On the Road
Preparing Your Car
- Check you tire pressure and tire tread , worn tires will not be able to grip the road making it more dangerous to drive and easier to get stuck
- Never warm up your car in an enclosed area like a garage, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (odorless and colorless) can accumulate-make sure the exhaust pipe is clear from snow and ice that can cause fumes to back up into your vehicle
- Stock your car with winter tools like a window scraper, de-icing spray, and kitty litter or sand for tire traction
- Check to make sure you have enough no-freeze window washer fluid to keep windows clean and keep backup in your car when needed
- Make sure to clear off all snow and ice from windows, headlights, hoods and roofs before driving
- Consider keeping an emergency kit with blankets, non-perishable foods, water, flash lights, jumper cables and a first aid kit
Practice Safely
- Practice driving during winter conditions in an empty parking lot during daylight hours
- Learn how your car will respond to different actions (accelerating, breaking, turning, etc) in snow and ice
- Know what types of breaks you have and how to use them in poor road conditions. In general, apply continuous pressure for antilock breaks and gentle pumping for non-antilock breaks
- Take new drivers out to practice safely, they have less experience in general and should learn how cars respond differently on snow and ice
Driving
- Drive slowly and keep in mind it will take longer to stop. Posted speed limits are for dry weather conditions, so keep a greater distance from the car in front of you when roads are slippery
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly, this is the best way to avoid slipping and skidding
- Look for pavement that appears dark, wet or like new asphalt because it could be black ice
- Four wheel drive vehicles may drive better in the snow, but they do not slow down any faster, continue to use caution and keep a distance
- Keep looking where you want the car to go to check for road hazards ahead, be extra cautious when you see other cars skidding or sliding on the road
- Don’t drive distracted, when fatigued, or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Always buckle up
- For children in car seats, remove their jackets before buckling in to make sure the harness fits snug, use blankets over the harness to keep them warm. Thick jackets will hold the harness away from the body and not provide proper protection in a crash
- Don’t drive if you don’t have to go out
At Home
Preparing Your Home
- Install smoke detectors: at least one on every level, outside sleeping areas (hallways), and one in every bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors should be located on every level and outside sleeping areas. Check batteries monthly and interconnect alarms if possible so that they all sound if one is triggered
- Have fireplaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected
- Be prepared for power outages with an updated emergency kit: flashlights, radio, extra batteries, food that doesn’t require cooking, water, first aid kit, and extra baby or pet supplies if needed
During Winter Weather
- Wear weather appropriate clothing, there’s always a chance you could be stuck outside longer than you expected (both on the road and at home). Dress in several thin layers under outerwear
- Keep walk ways and stairs clear of ice and snow to avoid falls, use kitty litter or sand for an extra grip
- Use caution when using indoor space heaters, keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that could catch fire (couches, curtains, carpets, etc) and never leave them turned on without adult supervision
- Do not use the oven to heat your house
- Always keep generators and grills outdoors in well ventilated areas, away from windows, because they produce deadly carbon monoxide
- After heavy snow, check outdoor dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace vents to make sure the openings are not covered
Outdoors
- Stretch before shoveling snow to avoid injury. Take frequent rests and stay hydrated. Listen to your body-the cold weather can add extra stress on your muscles, breathing and heart.
- Snow and ice can be dangerous on roof tops. If you can do so safely, remove snow and ice that has accumulated or rope off areas that cannot be cleared to avoid falling ice and snow injuries
- Check in with neighbors who could use extra assistance, like seniors and anyone with disabilities or medical conditions. Offer to help remove snow and ice from walk ways and drive ways
- Set limits on how long children can play outside and have them come inside occasionally to warm up
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles
- Do not go out on ice unless it has been designated as safe (posted sign), call your local police department for locations
- Wear the appropriate safety equipment for your activity, helmets can help prevent brain injuries