With the coldest and darkest months right around the corner, it’s that time of year – time to prepare for the winter. Due to the shorter days and potential for snow, certain dangers arise during the winter months. While some of these risks can be hard to mitigate, like seasonal depression and power outages, there are some things that you can do to increase your safety. Stay extra vigilant this winter season by following these safety tips from Mesa personal injury lawyers at Hastings & Hastings.
Maintaining a Safe Home
Depending on where you live, you may experience freezing temperatures and snow storms this winter. If you do live in a cold climate area, there are a number of things to keep in mind when preparing and maintaining your home this season.
Blizzards and ice storms can get intense, so it’s always good to assess potential vulnerabilities in your house such as the roof and windows. If these aren’t properly sealed and insulated, you could experience leaks, water damage, or flooding. Make sure you know how to shut off your utilities in case of an emergency, and consider investing in a backup generator if you don’t have one yet.
It’s also important to keep a stockpile of emergency supplies such as food, water, medication, and flashlights. It’s hard to predict if and when you might be stuck in your house. If temperatures get below freezing, be sure to protect your pipes with covers or heat tape to avoid them bursting. By making sure your home is sealed and stocked, you can minimize your risk of damage or injury this season.
Avoiding Falls This Winter
One very common type of accident that occurs in wintertime is a slip and fall. When sidewalks and driveways get icy, it can be hard to avoid slipping and injuring yourself. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of a slip and fall injury.
First, invest in winter boots that have good tread and traction. You can also apply salt or sand to icy ground. When possible, walk slowly and use a railing or something else to hold on to, and be extra careful on stairs. If you can, it’s nice to check on any elderly family or neighbors who may need assistance clearing paths. Shoveling snow promptly will help prevent build-up and falls.
Another common type of fall, falling off a ladder, can be avoided by using ladders carefully and having a second person there for support. Make sure you place your ladder on flat, dry ground. Falling off ladders while decorating for the holidays is a more common occurrence than you think.
Fireplace Safety Tips
Fireplaces are a great way to stay warm and cozy in the winter, but naturally, having a fire inside comes with some risks. First, it’s imperative that your chimney has been cleaned and properly inspected before having fires this season. Use dry, seasoned firewood to avoid excess smoke, and keep flammable materials far from the fireplace. It’s also crucial to have well-maintained smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, in case of an emergency. And of course – never leave a burning fire unattended.
Space heaters are another great way to stay warm, but they of course come with their own risks. Electric space heaters with safety features are your best bet, like ones that have a sensor to automatically shut off the device if it’s overheating. Space heaters should sit on stable surfaces, and far away from curtains or furniture. Never use space heaters to dry your clothing, and always ensure adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
There are actually multiple potential causes of carbon monoxide buildup in the winter, so it’s important to know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion are just some of the symptoms. Because these symptoms are similar to cold and flu symptoms, a proper carbon monoxide detector is imperative.
A couple more things you can do to reduce risks include watering your Christmas tree regularly and extinguishing all lights and candles before bed. Dry kindling plus open flames is a recipe for disaster.
Navigating Winter Roads
Driving during the winter is different from driving in all other seasons. From heavy snowfall to icy roads, there are many potential hazards.
In general, it’s best to reduce your speed when driving in a snowy area. You should also leave more room than normal in between your car and others, because trying to brake on an icy road can take much longer than you expect. Icy roads can also lead to skidding, so make sure you know how to safely brake and maneuver in that type of scenario.
There are also vehicle maintenance steps you should take before driving in the winter. It’s recommended that you switch to winter tires for better traction, and check your tire pressure regularly since cold weather can affect it. This is also a good time of year to check on the functionality of your windshield wipers, defrosters, and headlights. Poor visibility is a big factor in winter car accidents.
Along this note, always keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, food, water, and a first-aid kit. In addition to car accidents, there is always a risk of getting stuck in your car when driving in snow. If you find yourself in a situation where you are stuck in your car outside, do not leave the engine running for long periods of time because carbon monoxide poisoning can occur. It’s best to just avoid travel when possible if there is a snowstorm or blizzard warning.
Cheers to a Safe Winter Season
Now that you are up to date on some of the safety precautions you can take this winter, it’s time to jump into action. Being knowledgeable about wintertime dangers and what you can do to prevent them is the first step. Make sure that your house, car, and family are ready for the coming months by following these safety tips and continuing to educate yourself about winter risks.