Winter is generally associated with Christmas, Santa Claus, snow-covered fir trees, and skating. However, wintertime can become a real nightmare for those unprepared for various cold-weather dangers. More than 1,300 hypothermia-related deaths occur every winter in the United States; according to the Department of Transportation, more than 6,000 people are killed in traffic collisions every winter while nearly 480,000 get injured.
Top Five Cold-Weather Safety Tips
If you want to stay safe in winter, follow these helpful tips. Moreover, be sure to tell your neighbors and friends about these safety tips, too.
Check weather forecast
Quickly changing weather can create a challenge. So, first of all, it is recommended to check local weather forecasts every morning to be prepared for the whims of weather.
Assemble emergency supplies kit
In case of a snow emergency, be sure you have enough non-perishable food and water - a gallon per person per day - for a three-day period and an emergency supplies kit that should include a flashlight, a first aid kit, a whistle local maps, an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert a dust mask, plastic bags, and extra batteries.
Drive slowly
Wintertime can create certain issues for drivers, so the first thing you should do if you drive in the snow is to slow down! It is also recommended to wear sunglasses to protect yourself against snow blindness. Make sure you have a de-icer, ice scraper, a blanket, and a compact spade shovel in case you get stuck in the snow.
Dress for the season
Extreme cold can cause hypothermia - a medical emergency that occurs when your body temperature drops below 95.0 °F. To stay safe and, what's more important, warm in cold and windy weather, you should wear warm loose-fitting clothes and a hat. Avoid wearing cotton as it is one of the most breathable fabrics, so it won't let you accumulate body heat. Finally, avoid sweating - when sweat evaporates it creates a cooling effect. During wintertime, injury risks increase significantly. Slippery conditions are extremely dangerous. First and foremost you should avoid shoes with heels or smooth soles. You should wear less slippery shoes and walk very slowly. It is recommended to shuffle your feet while walking; this will help you control your balance.
Stay at home in case of emergency
Winter floods are very dangerous. If winter flooding slams your region try to stay at home; if you need to go out of your home assess the situation and weather conditions beforehand. Don't drive into floodwaters.
In the end, if you are an employer, you should provide resources for an effective response to extreme weather.
Make sure you check local weather forecasts every day, have a plan for weather emergencies and emergency supplies kits.