Winter Safety
Changing weather conditions require changing attitudes for almost all winter activities. By just remembering a few simple rules and by using common sense you can avoid many accidents and mishaps that often occur during cold weather.
Snow Emergencies are declared by the Franklin County Sheriff. See the current level at http://www.sheriff.franklin.oh.us/
(scroll down to the bottom of the left menu). Emergency levels are explained at
www.sheriff.franklin.oh.us/SnowEmerg.asp.
Simple Rules for Winter Safety:
- If you’re planning on activities outdoors, remember to slow down when walking. Sidewalks that don’t look slippery are often dangerous. Going slow also applies to motor vehicles. Patches of ice on dry roads can send you sliding off the road and out of control.
- Don’t overexert yourself. Heart attacks are a major cause of death during and after a snowstorm. So, if shoveling snow isn’t critical, don’t do it. If you have to shovel snow, don’t overexert yourself. Take time to rest often.
- Dress in several layers of clothes if you’re going to stay outside for an extended period of time.
- If you have a fireplace or use an electric or kerosene heater in your home, make sure you never leave it unattended. All of these things have the potential to cause a house fire.
- If you are traveling, plan your trip ahead of time. Check the weather forecast the day you plan to leave, that way you have an idea of what the weather looks like for your trip.
- Always carry a small emergency kit in your motor vehicle. This kit may contain items such as a blanket to keep warm, a flash light to see and a collapsible "HELP" sign.
Links to more ways to prepare yourself and your home for cold weather, and how to treat cold weather injuries:
Centers for Disease Control http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/faq.asp
FEMA www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/index.shtm
Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/WinterHomeSafetyTips2007.aspx
Updated 1/16/09
