Winter begins on Saturday, Dec. 21, and extends to Thursday, March 19, 2020, in the Northern Hemisphere. Those three months can be both beautiful to behold and difficult to endure.
Winter has its share of safety hazards, and extra effort may be required to protect one's health and well-being when the chill creeps in. In recognition of that, the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these winter safety tips.
1. Homes should be winterized to keep interior temperatures comfortable and prevent weather-related damage. Winterizing includes insulating water lines that run along exterior walls, cleaning out gutters, installing weather stripping, and replenishing insulation.
2. Exercise in cold temperatures can put many people at risk of heart attack - especially those who are typically inactive. If someone must exercise in cold weather, they should remember to stretch beforehand. People should take breaks when shoveling or ask for help.
3. Carbon monoxide alarms should be checked to see if they are working properly. Every year in the United States, more than 400 people die from and 50,000 are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. Exhaust from improperly vented heating appliances can contribute to carbon monoxide sickness.
4. A winter emergency kit should be prepared and kept in the car in case a car becomes stranded in inclement weather. The kit can include food, water, blankets, first aid supplies, flares, and booster cables, among other items.
5. Individuals should wear appropriate clothing for the temperature and precipitation. Layers can be added or removed as needed.
6. Sand or cat litter can be spread on icy patches of walkways to improve traction. Sand or cat litter is easier on the environment than some chemical ice melt products.
7. Homeowners should consider a whole-house generator as an emergency backup if the power goes out in winter. Generators can keep the heat running and the refrigerator humming along until power is restored.
8. Caution should be exercised with space heaters and other supplemental heating devices. They should be turned off when leaving the room. They should not be left on overnight while people are sleeping.
9. Drivers should slow down when driving in the snow. Black ice patches can be difficult to see, and snow itself can reduce tire traction. Drivers should leave extra time to get where they need to be.
10. When outdoors, people should consider switching from gloves to mittens. With fingers touching each other inside mittens, they help generate more body heat than when they are inside gloves.
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