Keeping Your Family Safe This Winter

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, people are exposed to different dangers than they were when it was summertime. For example, snow and ice on the roads could lead to increased car accidents. So how do you take precautions to avoid some of the dangers that winter brings? Continue reading to learn more about some winter safety tips.

Winter Safety Tips

Home

Carbon Monoxide (CO): The National Safety Council states that "Every year, over 400 people die and 50,000 are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, meaning that you cannot see it or smell it. It is produced by appliances like dyers, ovens and heaters. The can vent the CO outside, however, if they break, it can leak into your home. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can lead to dizziness and a sick feeling to your stomach all the way to death. This is why it is important to install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. While you are at it, check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors too.

Winterize Home: This is extremely important for those who have frequent winter storms where they live. Some ways to do this is by installing weather stripping for your doors, insulation for your home, and even storm windows that can survive even the harshest weather.

Heating System: While you are winterizing your home, you should make sure that your heating system is clean, working properly, and is venting to the outside. You can have it serviced professionally.

Fireplace & Chimney: These can get dirty throughout the year. Winter is a great time for you to either clean it yourself if you have the equipment or hire a professional to do it for you.

Outdoor Walkways: These can be covered with snow and ice. To melt the ice, use rock salt on the ground and use kitty litter for added traction so you do not slip.

Emergency Kit: It is important to have one of these and make sure that it is stocked with extra blankets, clothing, flashlights, batteries, matches, first aid kit, water, and medication. In addition to that, you should have enough food to last each family member at least three days.

Car

Tires: Winter is a great time to check the condition of your tires and change them if you need to. If you do change them, consider getting all-weather or snow tires.

Wiper Fluid: Another one of our winter safety tips is to check your windshield fluid. You should try to replace it with a winter fluid that is less prone to freezing.

Antifreeze: It is important to make sure to have antifreeze as it helps keep your engine from freezing and damaging parts of your cooling system during the winter.

Emergency Supplies: Some things to keep stocked in your car are water, snacks, first-aid kit, blankets, flashlight, batteries, and a portable phone charger.

Staying Warm

Clothing: When you head out for a winter adventure, you want to make sure that you are dressed appropriately. The best way to dress for winter is to wear several layers of light clothing. If you fail to do so, you are putting yourself, and family at risk of developing hypothermia and frostbite.

Hypothermia: Hypothermia is when the temperature of the body is abnormally low. It can make you feel tired, confused and even clumsy. Medicine Plus states that "Because it happens gradually and affects your thinking, you may not realize that you need help." This makes hypothermia incredibly dangerous.

Frostbite: Frostbite is when certain parts of your body freeze. When they freeze, they can be permanently damaged. To avoid it, dress in layers as mentioned above. Another thing that you can do to avoid frostbite is to wear clothing that protects your hands, feet, ears, nose, and cheeks.

Conclusion

When it comes to winter safety, there are many tips to help keep you and your family safe. Some things to remember are to, install carbon monoxide detectors, winterize your home, have an emergency kit with supplies for both your home and your car, and arguably most importantly, dress in light layers to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Be sure to also check out this article to learn about

Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/hypothermia.html
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/winter
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html