It is that time of year again--time for the weather here in Missouri to turn off cold and when the driving conditions are often hazardous. Even if you're a very careful driver, wintertime accidents cannot always be avoided. Here are a few of the winter safety tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
PREPARE YOUR HOME:
1. It's possible that due to a winter storm, you may find yourself stuck at home without power for a few days. Try to keep fuel for an alternate heat source on hand, such as heating fuel for a small heater or wood for a wood-burning stove. Be sure to keep fire extinguishers on hand though, sometimes alternate heating sources can be more dangerous than regular furnace heat.
2. Insulate pipes with newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little to avoid freezing during very cold weather. Make sure you know how to shut off your water valves in case a pipe does freeze and bursts.
3. Make a plan ahead of time if you help care for an elderly or homebound person, to get them somewhere safe and warm if a bad storm is coming.
PREPARE YOUR CAR:
Check these parts of your car to make sure they're in top shape for hazardous wintertime driving:
1. Antifreeze and oil levels
2. Brakes
3. Battery and ignition system
4. Tire treads
5. Heater & Defroster
6. Lights and flashing hazards
7. Windshield wipers & fluid level
8. Maintain at least a half tank of gas
Put a winter car kit in every vehicle that contains these items:
1. shovel
2. windshield scraper and broom
3. flashlight
4. blanket
5. battery powered radio, extra batteries
6. water
7. snack foods
8. matches
9. extra hats, gloves, and blanket
10. first aid kid
11. tow chain or rope
12. road salt and/or sand for traction
13. jumper cables
14. fluourescent distress flag or emergency flares
DRESS YOURSELF FOR WINTER:
1. Wear several layers of clothing. You can always add more or take some layers off. The outer layer should be water repellant.
2. Wear gloves, a hat, and a scarf over your mouth to protect your lungs.
