Be Prepared This Winter
As winter approaches, it is time to think about staying safe during the cold temperatures and winter storms that are sure to follow. One of the best ways to stay safe and healthy during the winter is to plan ahead. Plan for both your vehicles and home, preparing for power outages and outdoor activities. Follow these tips for a safe winter.
Prepare your home. Staying inside might seem like the most obvious answer to winter safety, but it is no guarantee of safety. Keep your home safe and warm during the coldest months by winterizing your home, checking your heating systems, checking or replacing batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Prepare your home. The cold weather will not stop many of us from going about with our normal routine, so make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter. Service your radiator and maintain antifreeze levels. Check your tire’s tread and replace if necessary. Keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Use a winter formula in your windshield washer. Prepare an emergency kit to keep in your car, a few good things to include: cell phone charger, extra batteries, food and water, booster cables, flares, a tire pump, compass and map, flashlight, first aid kit, and extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets.
Prepare for emergencies. Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, such as power outages. Stock foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration and water in clean containers. Ensure your cellphone is fully charged. When traveling, be aware of current and forecasted weather conditions. Keep an up-to-date emergency kit including; battery operated devices such as a flashlight and weather radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, and extra medicine. Also remember to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement, or garage.
Take precautions outdoors. Outdoor activities can be fun in the winter, but take precautions to protect yourself from the elements. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing; coats, jackets, light layers or warm clothing, mittens/gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots. Sprinkle sand or salt on icy paths. Follow these other safety precautions; work slowly when doing outside chores, take a buddy and emergency kit when participating in outdoor recreation activities, and carry a charged cellphone.
Pet safety. Many of us have furry friends, here are a few guidelines to help keep them safe this winter. Bring pets inside. Provide shelter and fresh water. Keep salt away from paws.
Your home and vehicle aren’t the only things that need to be prepared for winter, don’t forget to prepare your body for winter and the common respiratory illnesses that come with it.
Protect yourself from common winter respiratory illnesses. COVID-19, influenza, and RSV usually circulate more heavily during the fall and winter months, but you can protect yourself from these illnesses with prevention tools. Build up your prevention toolkit by getting recommended vaccines, washing your hands often, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, improving the air quality in your home or office, and staying home when you are sick.
Follow these steps to stay safe this winter, ensuring that you can enjoy the coldest months of the year in your favorite ways, whether that’s by curling up with a good book, participating in recreational activities, or visiting with friends and family.
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.
