Severe winter weather can harm humans, businesses, vehicles, and property. From visibility difficulties to exposure to cold, as winter progresses, thousands have been or will be affected this season by snowstorms. Unfortunately, the threat of winter snowstorms is not over until the climate fully accepts spring weather in April.
Here are the safety precautions for winter snowstorms you can take to stay safe and reduce hazards.
Monitor Weather
Stay updated with local weather forecasts. Prepare in advance if you know there’s a snowstorm or risk of changing weather conditions to come.
Dress for Cold Temperature
Always dress for cold temperatures. Wear a winter coat, gloves, hat, scarf, and waterproof, insulated winter boots. Stay dry and insulated, reducing the risk of hypothermia or discomfort on an unavoidably cold winter day.
Secure Outdoor Furniture
A snowstorm can get windy. Store or anchor outdoor furniture, décor, and other exterior property hazards. Check fences or gates to ensure they are stable. Any loose or unsecured object has the potential to become a major hazard in severe winter weather.
Maintain a Heat Source
Ensure your furnace or heating source is inspected and in working condition before a snowstorm. A backup heater, such as a generator or space heater, can prove valuable if you live somewhere prone to power outages.
Clear Entryways
Clear entrances of snow and ice to minimize the risk of slipping or tripping.
Bulk magnesium chloride is an effective way to prevent ice accumulation in this area.
Be Cautious with Heaters
Space heaters should be on flat, non-flammable surfaces. Do not place your heater near curtains or furniture. Keep away all items that could burn or catch fire. Always turn off heaters before leaving the room or sleeping.
Insulate Your Home
Put weatherstripping around windows and doors. Use heavy curtains to retain heat indoors. By retaining the heat you already have, you can reduce the strain on your heating system.
Keep Outdoor Areas Lit
Outside your home, ensure entryways and your driveway are well-lit so that you can see snow, ice, and hazards.
Stay Inside
When a winter snowstorm is in full effect, stay inside unless you have to be outside or in transit. Wait until the bulk of a snowstorm is over.
Take Breaks When Shoveling Snow
The process of shovelling snow puts a lot of stress on the body. Take breaks. Especially for older adults, minimize the risk of a heart attack by shovelling in small bursts with breaks, using a snowblower, or hiring a snow removal service.
Wear Gripped Footwear
To further reduce the risk of a slip and fall, wear non-skid footwear with a non-skid non-skid rubber sole.
Create a Winter Emergency Kit
Pack two winter emergency kits. One for your car and the other for your home. If there’s a power outage or something occurs while you are driving and you end up stranded, an emergency kit can prove critical to keeping you safe in a situation with limited resources.
What to Pack in an Emergency Kit
Make a list of what to include in your winter emergency kits. Include blankets, a few bottles of clean water, accessible food that does not need to be cooked or heated, a flashlight, First Aid supplies, extra batteries, and backup phone chargers – among other items.
Stock Up On Non-Perishables
Keep canned goods, snacks, and easy-to-prepare food in your home in case a snowstorm becomes a power outage or if the snow accumulation is so bad that it prevents you from leaving your property.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Ensure your vehicle has winter tires to improve traction on icy roads. Fully stock up on windshield wiper fluid. Ensure your wipers are in working order. Clear off any snow and ice from your vehicle. Clear off any snow or ice in the way of your headlights.
Charge Your Smartphone
Charge your smartphone before leaving your residence in a winter snowstorm. This will ensure you can communicate if you get caught in an emergency.
Service Your Vehicle
Suppose your vehicle has any nagging problems, such as brakes that no longer work, inspect and service it. To maintain control over your vehicle, give yourself every advantage while driving.
Buy and Store Bulk Magnesium Chloride
Bulk magnesium chloride can be used on walkways, driveways, and roads to keep ice away and improve traction. Be sure to stock up on magnesium chloride and/or other de-icing products before a snowstorm starts.
Drive with Extra Caution
When you are behind the wheel in a snowstorm, use extra caution. Be aware of the hazards of slick roads, poor traction, and black ice. Do not exceed speed limits; give yourself time to slow down, change lines, and complete turns.
Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Place carbon monoxide detectors in gathering areas and near heating sources. Test these detectors regularly and replace the batteries as needed.
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