3. Winterize Your Vehicle Early:
*Be prepared against the first blast of
winter. Avoid automobile gas line freeze ups by
keeping your tank greater than half full at all
times.
*Make sure that your car has adequate antifreeze.
*Make sure that your tires have good traction and
are inflated to the right pressure.
*Make sure that your heater and defroster work
properly.
*Make sure that your battery is not more than 3
years old and that it can carry a full charge.
*Make sure that you have a good ice scraper.
4. Carry a
Winter-Survival Safety Kit in your vehicle:
*Bring along blankets and a bright piece of cloth to
tie on your antenna if you become stranded.
*Flashlight with spare batteries.
*Extra change of clothing to keep dry.
*Non-perishable foods such as candy bars, canned
goods, or high calorie food like Power Bars.
*A can and waterproof matches (used to melt snow for
drinking water).
*A compass, shovel and sand, tow rope, and jumper
cables.
5. Avoid Overexertion:
*The strain from cold temperatures and heavy labor
such as shoveling, pushing a car, or walking in deep
snow may cause a heart attack in
older and less physically fit individuals.
* When walking on
slippery surfaces, SHUFFLE your feet to
prevent slipping
6. If you become stranded in your vehicle during a
Winter storm:
*Stay in your car, truck, or minivan.
*Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat.
*Maintain proper ventilation by making sure the
exhaust pipe is not plugged.
*Leave the windows open slightly to avoid carbon
monoxide poisoning.
*Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright
cloth to your antenna or door handle.
*Turn on the dome light at night, but only when
running the engine.
7. If you lose heat in your home:
*Seal off any unused rooms by stuffing towels or
rags in the cracks under the door.
*Cover the windows with blankets or sheets at night
if you have some extras available.
*Use only devices that are designed for heating
indoors during as emergency heat source and handle
all safety precautions.
8.
Be careful on slippery surfaces
*Walk slowly, take
shorter steps, shuffle your feet to keep from
falling.
*Be especially
careful when walking from an outside slushy
surface to a warm floor-ice on your shoe
will quickly melt.
*Use floor mats to
dry your feet