Winter Weather Safety Tips

Winter weather in Louisiana can be especially dangerous because it is rare. But even though snow and ice don’t occur often, it’s vital to know how to safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Use these winter weather safety tips to protect everyone, whether you are at home or on the road.

Home

• When temperatures are below 25 degrees F and sustained for extended periods, set the water heater to “Pilot” if so equipped. Run a steady flow of water about the size of a number two pencil through all hot and cold faucets. Disconnect outside water hoses from faucets and drain the hose. Make sure to check that any exposed pipes or faucets are wrapped. Run a steady flow of water to outside faucets, too.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of the water shut-off valve in case an emergency occurs and quick action is indicated.
• If you intend to leave your home, set the thermostats to manual and keep them between 68 and 71 degrees F during cold weather.

Driving

• Slow down. Be prepared to drive significantly slower than you usually would on dry roads.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
• Watch for icy patches and black ice (thin ice that looks like water) — particularly on overpasses and elevated roads.
• Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicles ahead of you.
• Do not use cruise control on roads that may have ice.
• Look and steer in the direction you want to go.
• Stay on hard surfaces.

Shoveling Snow

Snow shoveling can lead to several health risks for many people, from back injuries to heart attacks. The mix of cold temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart, which may increase the risk of a heart attack for some.

The sudden physical exertion of shoveling snow can significantly raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can be risky for individuals with heart disease or other cardiovascular issues.

Improper lifting posture, lifting too much snow at once, and twisting the body while shoveling can lead to strains and sprains in the back, shoulders, and neck.

Cold temperatures can exacerbate muscle strains and increase the risk of frostbite on exposed skin.

Slippery surfaces from snow and ice can lead to falls, especially when shoveling on walkways or driveways.

Here’s how to minimize shoveling hazards:

• Use proper lifting technique: Bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs, not your back.
• Lift small amounts of snow: Don’t overload your shovel.
• Push snow when possible: Consider pushing snow rather than lifting it whenever feasible.
• Warm up before shoveling: Do light stretching exercises to prepare your muscles.
• Listen to your body: Stop shoveling if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Dress in layers to stay warm and dry.

General Safety

• Top off the fluids, including fuel, in at least one of your vehicles. If it is a diesel engine, remember that with temps below 20 degrees F, the fuel has the potential to gel. An additive to prevent this should be added when topping off your fuel tank.
• Be prepared to shelter for several days. Wear warm clothes in layers. Buy groceries that can be easily prepared if your home loses electricity.
• Use caution on entry steps, stairways, sidewalks, and ramps and while entering/exiting vehicles. The surfaces may be very slippery.
• Have extra blankets ready and available for use. Keep some blankets in your car in case your vehicle has mechanical issues, and you become stranded on the roadside.
• Avoid exhausts from heaters and generators that may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Ventilation should be present if gas heaters or kerosene heaters are used. Generators should not be run near the house or under porches, garages, etc. Generators should be at least eight feet away from your house, with exhaust directed away from your home.
• Prevent children and older adults from getting too close to heaters as they may burn themselves or lose their balance and fall on them.
• Exercise caution when using extension cords, which can become trip hazards. Cords should be heavy gauge to support the higher voltage electric heaters and other devices require. If possible, use surge-protected devices to prevent overloading power outlets.

Be Prepared For Cold Weather

Preparation and caution can significantly reduce the dangers posed by winter weather. Following these winter weather safety tips will prepare you to face the oncoming cold temperatures.