[ETSList] Winter Safety Tips

[Drew_Moore]

Preparing for Winter at Home

Develop a winter specific Family Disaster Plan
In addition to your usual Family Disaster Plan add the following steps:
?	Ensure all family members have emergency contact information
?	Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of
wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin
?	Check with schools about winter storm closing policies and procedures
?	Discuss with family members what to do if a winter storm Watch or Warning
is issued
?	Check your disaster supply kit
* Install and/or check smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors


Assemble a Winter Disaster Supplies Kit
In addition to your basic supply kit, which should contain a first aid kit,
essential medication, battery powered radio, flash light, extra batteries,
bottled water and non-perishable food, essential winter items include:
????Extra warm clothing, including warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and
water-resistant boots
?	Extra blankets
?? De-Icing products such as nonclumping kitty litter or other ice melting
products
* Candles and matches are not recommended due to their fire risk

Service snow removal equipment
Equipment should be easily accessible and in good working order.  Basic
supplies should include:
?	Snow shovel
?	De-Icing products

Prepare your House
?	Make sure your house is properly insulated.
?	Install storm windows or if necessary cover windows with plastic from the
inside
?	To keep pipes from freezing:
-	Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspaper and cover with plastic
to keep out moisture
-	Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing
-	Know how to shut off water valves

Consider storing sufficient heating fuel incase regular sources are cut off

Consider storing safe emergency eating equipment


Preparing for Winter when Driving

The leading cause of deaths during winter storms is from automobile and
other transportation accidents.  Preparing for winter storms and following
some simple safety steps could reduce your risks of an accident.

Winterize your car
Have a mechanic check:
?	Battery
?	Antifreeze
?	Wipers
?	Windshield washer fluid
?	Ignition system
?	Thermostat
?	Lights
?	Flashing hazard lights
?	Exhaust system
?	Heater
?	Brakes
?	Defroster
?	Oil
?	Install Winter tires

Carry a cell phone or two-way radio

Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in your car for ice and snow
removal

Carry a car disaster supply kit
A car supply kit should include:
?	Several blankets or sleeping bags
?	Rain gear and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a wool cap
?	Newspapers for extra insulation
?	Plastic bag for sanitation
?	Canned fruit, nuts, and high energy "munchies"
?	Several bottles of water - Eating snow lowers body temperature
?	Small shovel, pocket knife and small tools, such a pliers, wrench and
screwdriver
?	Small sack of sand to generate traction under wheels, a set of chains or
traction mats
?	Jumper cables
?	First Aid kit and necessary medication
?	Flashlight with extra batteries
?	Brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna
?	Cards, games and puzzles

Keep the gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from
freezing

Plan trips carefully
?	Listen to the radio and follow recommendations
?	Plan to travel during daylight
?	If possible, travel with at least one other person
?	Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to
arrive


For further information on preparing for winter storms please visit our web
site at www.njredcross.org or call (609) 951-8550 for further information.


Lee Docherty
Community Disaster Education Administrator
American Red Cross of Central New Jersey
Ph: (609) 951-2107
Fax:(609) 951-9787