Stay Safe and Warm This Winter: Essential Tips
Winter is here, bringing freezing temperatures and the risk of accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and overexertion. Here are tips to keep you and your family safe:
Stay Warm Outdoors
- Dress in layers and cover skin to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Limit outdoor time in extreme cold.
Prepare Your Home
- Check insulation, caulking, and weather stripping.
- Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Gather emergency supplies like food, water, and medications.
- Help neighbors and seniors prepare.
Heating Safety
- NEVER use generators, stoves, or grills indoors.
- Turn space heaters off when leaving or sleeping.
- Keep flammable items 3 feet from heat sources.
- Clean and inspect chimneys annually.
Protect Your Pets
- Bring pets indoors in freezing weather.
- Wipe paws to remove harmful ice-melting chemicals.
- Clean up antifreeze spills immediately.
Be Storm-Ready
- Monitor Winter Weather Alerts and sign up for local Emergency Alerts via Code Red.
- Drive Safely
- Slow down on icy roads.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car: jumper cables, ice scraper, warm clothing, food, and water.
- Keep your gas tank full and charge your phone before traveling.
- For more winter safety tips, visit Ready.gov. Stay safe this winter!