Tips for Staying Safe This Winter

Winter should be winding down.  It’s February, after all.  Yet, it seems the snow and frigid cold temps just won’t go away.  Here are some tips for staying safe this winter.

1. Your House – Your home is your protection from the winter, whether it’s from the snow or cold.  Proper maintenance will help ensure against disasters.  Keep gutters clear of debris.  Install de-icer cables to prevent ice dams.  Driveways and walkways should be kept clear of snow and ice.  

2. Your Car – Perform regular maintenance on your car.  Check fluid levels, especially windshield wiper fluid.  Keep a snow brush/ice scraper, a small shovel and sand in your car.  Any time you take your car somewhere, whether it’s a five-minute or one-hour drive, take bottled water, high protein snacks, gloves, hat, boots and scarf with you.  You never know when your car will break down or you’ll run into a traffic jam.
3. The Storms – Keep ahead of the weather.  If your area is anticipating a blizzard that might keep you from getting outside, you don’t want to run out of food.  Keep at least three days of food and water on hand.  Have a variety of options in case you can’t use the stove or oven.  Check your prescription medications.  Do you have enough for the next few days?  Make sure your cell phone is charged.  Do you have an alternate source of power or heat if the electricity goes out?  This might be a large supply of firewood if you have a fireplace, or a generator.  Finally, secure loose items in your yard, such as furniture and trash cans. 
4. Snow Removal – What is the condition of your equipment?  Check the gas and oil levels in your snowblower before the storm so you don’t run out half-way through clearing.  Are snow shovel blades straight and handles secure?  How is your supply of de-icer?  When shoveling, dress warmly and in layers.  Take breaks if there is a lot of snow.  Keep piles low, and push snow, rather than lift when possible.
5. Your Pets – Your pets need to be kept safe in this extreme weather also.  Use pet-safe de-icer on your property.  Watch for salt when walking them in the neighborhood.  Check their paws when you get home, and clean out any salt or gravel from between their toes.  Don’t leave them outside for any length of time in frigid temps.  Brush the snow off them when they come inside.   
6. Travel – If you are traveling during the winter, check the weather at both the point of origin and the destination.  If there are storms or weather advisories, your flight or train may be delayed. 
7. Check on Others – If you have elderly or homebound family or neighbors, regularly check on them.  See if they have power, heat and food.  Clear their drive and walkways, or arrange for it to be done by someone else. 

Don’t go out unless absolutely necessary.  Give your city time to clear the streets.  The less people on the road, the quicker the job will be done. 

Autumn Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Autumn is the most beautiful season of the year, with the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows dominating the landscape. Early morning frost sparkles in the first light of dawn, and harvest moons shine overhead.  But autumn also means the harsh winter months are ahead.  And with that in mind, you should be preparing your home for the cold weather.  Here are some tasks you should be planning.

INSIDE THE HOME

·        Make an appointment to have furnace and humidifier inspected

·        Change the furnace filter

·        Drain your water heater to clear sediment from the bottom

·        Have chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned if necessary

·        Call for delivery of firewood

·        Replace storm windows and doors; store screens after repairing

·        Seal leaks in windows with caulk or weather stripping

·        Replace worn door sweeps to stop drafts

·        Check insulation in attic and walls

·        Flip your mattresses

·        Store summer blankets and clothes, and pull out winter blankets and clothes

·        Have winter coats cleaned if you didn’t take them to the cleaners in the spring

·        Check boots for tears or leaks; make sure your children’s boots still fit them

·        Purchase extra mittens/hats/scarves to replace lost ones in a hurry, or to have on hand for guests

·        Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

·        Collect emergency supplies (including food and water) in the event of a power outage

OUTSIDE THE HOME

·        Clean, drain and cover your pool

·        Cover and store your patio furniture

·        Pick up toys and bikes from the yard and store

·        Drain the gas and oil from your lawnmower

·        Clean downspouts after leaves are done falling

·        Check that gutters are securely attached to the house

·        Check roof for missing or broken shingles/tiles

·        Check flashing around chimney for leaks

·        Fill oil or propane tanks

·        Disconnect hoses from outdoor water faucets and drain before storing

·        Drain outdoor water valves

·        Insulate your septic system and other outdoor plumbing to prevent freeze-ups

·        Caulk around entry points for all pipes and ducts in exterior wall (repeat inside the home also)

·        Trim tree branches away from the house and power lines

·        Fertilize your lawn

·        Cover perennials as necessary (leaves work well for insulation)

·        Plant early spring flower bulbs

·        Bring potted perennials indoors

·        Harvest vegetables before the first freeze

·        Prepare your snow thrower for use

·        Check snow shovels—replace if necessary

·        Lay out mats at the front and back doors to trap snow and ice

·        Place a boot tray outside the back door for wet boots

·        Buy salt for icy stairs and walkways (be careful using around plants and pets)

Don’t wait until the first snow storm to take care of these matters.  You never know when the first snow will hit.  Sometimes it’s in the middle of the night, too late to run to the store, and you’ll find yourself in a dark house without batteries for your flashlight or gas for the snow thrower.  Be prepared. 

 

 

Being Prepared for a Winter Storm

Senior Thursday

Now that we are in the midst of winter and the blizzards that come with this time of year, it is important to keep yourself safe in the event of a storm. There are things you can do before, during and after a snow storm to stay safe.

BEFORE
• Stock up on basic food items that will last you three days.
• Fill your car tank with gas.
• Purchase a generator for back-up power if your electricity tends to go out during a storm.
• Store water in the bathtub if you rely on an electric sump pump for water.
• Purchase a propane heater, but be very careful when using to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Always open a window for venting, and don't run it 24 hours/day.

DURING
• Stay inside! Don't drive, don't shovel. You might slip and fall and get buried by a plow. It's happened!
• Monitor weather on a battery-operated radio.

AFTER
• Don't shovel if there is more than an inch of snow, or if it is extremely icy. Hire a neighbor to help, or call a family member.
• Don't go out until your driveway/walkway is clear and dry.
• Report any power outages to your utility company.
• Report any property damage to the village.
• Call your insurance agent if you have damage to your property.

Safety During the Winter

Senior Thursday

Safety is always a concern for the senior population. But winter presents unique challenges. There are storms, cold weather, and travel during the holidays. It is difficult enough to get out of the house for many, especially those that are disabled. Trying to get around in the snow and ice is worse. Here are some cautions you can take for a safe winter.

• Don't drive during a snow storm. Stay home if you know one is approaching. Nothing is worth having an accident and possibly losing your life.
• Don't go outside if the walks are icy or snowy. This also includes that 50-ft walk to the mailbox. If the driveway or walkway looks wet, it may be icy underfoot.
• Have someone else run errands for you if you can't get out.
• Keep extra hat, mittens, scarf in your car just in case your car breaks down in the cold. Never go looking for help. Stay in your car. It is more visible than you are in a storm.
• Have a plan in place in case your power goes out. Keep a cell phone charged, and flashlights handy.
• Don't shovel heavy snow. Have a neighbor or family member shovel for you. Even sweeping the steps can be dangerous.
• Keep salt on hand for your steps and walkway.
• Keep extra groceries on hand during the winter months in case you can't get out.

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Four

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Four of our February Series

22. Keep your cell phone charging. If the power goes out, it will still be at full strength. If you are in your car, keep it charging while you drive so it doesn’t drain.
23. Check transportation schedules before you go. If you take a train or bus, check to see if they are on time and running a full schedule. You may be stuck at work if they cancel trains. Do you have a place to stay if that happens? Don’t get caught walking or driving to the station, only to find out al trains have been canceled.
24. Call your destination before you go. If you are scheduled to work or fly, check to see that your place of work is open or flights are still operating. If you must shop or get gas, call first before venturing out.
25. Check on any elderly neighbors, friends or relatives. Do they need help shoveling out? Did they lose power? Do they have enough food?
26. Don’t go out unless absolutely necessary. Not only will this keep you safe, but less drivers means less chance for accidents, and a better opportunity to plow and salt streets. Listen to the news before you go.
27. Use the time as quality time with your family. Make it a movie or game night. Share stories in front of the fire, or bake some cookies.

We can't always predict when a catasrophe will happen, but if we are prepared, the journey home will be much easier.

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Three

Part Three--Preparing for a Winter Storm

15. Do you have medications that will be expiring in the next few days? Fill them now, in case you can’t get out during or after the storm.

16. Have plenty of cash on hand. ATM machines may not be working or you may need to pay/tip service personnel.

17. Keep your pets safe in this weather. Protect their feet by using a de-icer that is safe for their paws. If you walk them, watch for salt on the streets, and wipe their feet when they come inside. Check for salt between their toes.

18. Do not let pets stay outside too long in severe weather. Although they have fur coats, they are still susceptible to exposure. Dry them off when they come inside.

19. If you anticipate a winter storm on a day you have a doctor’s appointment or other such engagement, cancel them ahead of time, rather than on that day, so the office can schedule their staff accordingly.

20. Stock up on firewood. If your heat goes out, this may be your only source of warmth.

21. What alternate power sources do you have if the electricity goes out? Purchase a generator to at least keep minimum power on. Have new batteries for your flashlights. If you use candles, never leave them unattended in a room.

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part Two

Continuing our series--Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part 2
Here are more tips for keeping safe in the cold winter months.

8. Always keep extra food and beverages in your car. This includes water, energy bars, etc. Select items that are not perishable and keep well in cold weather.
9. Keep an extra hat, scarf and pair of mittens or gloves in your car. In case you get stranded while driving, you will have something to keep warm if you left the house without these items.
10. Make sure you have plenty of gas in car. Snow usually means longer travel times. Sitting in traffic uses up fuel, so fill up before the storm.
11. Keep salt or sand and a small shovel in your trunk. If you get stuck in a drift or pile of snow, this will help get you out of your predicament.
12. Are your tires in good shape? Bald tires provide poor traction. If you haven’t checked your tires lately, take your car in for servicing.
13. Are your brakes working? Check fluid levels. Also, have a mechanic check your brake pads for wear. If they are starting to get bad, replace them now, before all the ‘stop and go’ you’ll be doing in a storm.
14. Have enough food in your home for at least three full days of meals, ideally a week in case you can’t get out, or the trucks can’t get to the stores to deliver.

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part One

Back in 1967, the blizzard that hit Chicago caught the city and its residents by surprise. In 2011, with better technology and communications, we knew it was coming. That didn't make it any easier. But it did give us time to prepare. Here are some things you should do to prepare for a winter storm.

1. Is your snowblower working properly? If you had it serviced in the fall, you are probably in good shape. But try starting it anyway, so you can take it in BEFORE the snow arrives.

2. Even if your snowblower is working, do you have gas and oil for it? Have an extra gallon of gas on hand also. If there is a lot of snow, you will need to run it for longer than usual.

3. Are your shovels in good condition? Are the edges straight and even, or nicked and bent? Do you have a plastic shovel for wooden stairs and decks?

4. Purchase several bags or buckets of salt/de-icer. You can not only use it while it's snowing, but also when it starts to melt and turns into ice on your walks or driveway. If you have pets, purchase the pet-friendly de-icer for areas they use.

5. Wear warm clothing when shoveling. Wear layers, rather than one heavy coat. A turtleneck, hoodie and windbreaker work great for keeping you warm and dry. Remember a scarf and hat also. Two thin pair of socks under waterproof boots are best, and gloves under mittens will keep hands warm.

6. Be careful shoveling. Even those in the best shape can injure themselves if they aren't careful. Push rather than lift, keep piles low, and know when you have had enough. Do the work in smaller increments if the snow is heavy.

7. Winds will be strong. Secure all belongings outside, including furniture, garbage cans and tarps.