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
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
