Winter Weather Safety Tips

The temperatures in our region are continuing to dip below freezing (below 32 degrees). To keep yourself, your house, and your vehicle safe during these times here are some helpful tips.

Your Body

Frostbite can occur at temperatures below 15 degrees below zero. Outdoor temperatures are reaching these lows more often, and we need to take the proper precautions when commuting. Be sure to wear mittens, a scarf, a hat, a warm coat, boots, and even extra layers of clothes if necessary. Exposed skin can become frostbitten within minutes. Visit Frostbite Prevention Tips for more information.

Illnesses are more prevalent in the winter months than any other time of the year, and there are more cases of the flu at this time. Everyone should be very proactive and take all measures to help prevent the flu. Of course, the easiest way to prevent the flu is to constantly wash your hands. The other most common way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. Getting the vaccine will give you a 60% chance of not needing treatment for the flu by a healthcare provider. Early immunizations are recommended, but it is still not too late to get the flu shot in January or beyond. Visit the US Government's Flu Site for more information about the flu.

Your House

When the temperatures are frigid, you should turn your thermostat down to at least 68 degrees. This will help prevent power outages in your area. When your furnace is running often, you also need to be careful that carbon monoxide is not being released. To ensure that this is not happening, you can buy a carbon monoxide detector like these: Carbon Monoxide Detectors. These detectors alert you in the same way a smoke detector would. This inexpensive system will help keep you and your family safe. Although it is hard for your furnace to keep your house warm when it is extremely cold outside, using additional heating sources may help. But, you must be careful about what other heating source you use. For a detailed list of how to remain safe while using additional heating sources, visit: Inspect Heating Sources. Lastly, you must be aware that water pipes inside of your house do not freeze. Even though they are in your house, they may become frozen if air is flowing in through cracks. To learn how to properly prevent frozen pipes, visit tips from The Weather Channel.

Your Vehicle

To ensure that your vehicle does not experience difficulties in cold temperatures, there are several preventive measures that you can do to help. Never let your gas go below a half of a tank because it can freeze. This will also guarantee that you will not run out of gas during longer commutes in bad weather. Warming up your vehicle for at least 5-10 minutes before you leave in the morning will help your engine. Make sure your wiper blades are newer and use no-freeze windshield wiper fluid to help your visibility when driving. There are many other ways you can prepare your vehicle for the winter. Visit AAA's Cold Weather Car Tips to see more.

View this other helpful website on staying warm this winter: http://goo.gl/eFhjPa