This December ends our “Year of Preparedness.” To re-cap, you learned how to plan ahead for most any type of disaster: record breaking heat waves, a worldwide pandemic, fires to floods, and tornadoes to cybercrimes. Winter has arrive in Wisconsin, and many would consider that a disaster! However, snow and ice do not have to keep you indoors. Learn how you can venture outdoors and still be safe and healthy.
Winter Safety Techniques
Prepare Your Car
Store these items in your trunk to be prepared for any vehicle emergency:
- Ice scraper
- Kitty litter (gives tires traction when stuck in the snow)
- Extra hat, scarf, and gloves
- Hand and foot warmers
- Blanket and pillow
- Protein bar and other snacks
- Phone charger
If you get stranded in your car in the snow, follow these tips:
- Stay in the car. Set your hazard lights to flash. Hang something from your radio antenna to alert that you need help and can be found in the snow. Call for help with your cellphone.
- Clear snow from your exhaust pipe. Run the engine and heater ten minutes every hour to stay warm. Be careful not to run down the car battery. Pull out your blanket, pillow, body warmers, and extra hat and gloves.
Prepare Your Home
Keep the cold air out and help reduce your heating bill with these simple steps:
- Buy a weather radio. Install local weather apps on your cellphone.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
- Insulate walls and attics.
- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
- Keep an alternate heat source and supply of fuel on hand.
- Use salt and sand to melt ice on sidewalks. (Use pet-safe salt if you have pets.)
- Have your car winterized. Replace tires if needed. Always keep your gas tank at least half-full. (Gas can freeze, causing your tank to appear fuller than it actually is.)
Goal:
Stay active and healthy through the winter months.
Things to Do:
Keep the following in your car: ice scraper, kitty litter, extra hat & gloves, hand & foot warmers, blanket & pillow, snacks, and phone charger.
Weatherize your home and car: install storm windows or cover with plastic, use weather-stripping around doors & windows, and always keep your gas tank at least half-full.
Be Informed – Resources:
www.readywi.go (Ready Wisconsin)
Caregivers – How can you get involved?
Take your loved one shopping for winterizing supplies. Help your loved one prepare the house and car.
Talk to your loved one about driving in the winter. Make sure you both carry your cellphones at all times in case of an emergency.
