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 hot 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 for the duration of 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 following distance between your vehicle and 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.

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, 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 the elderly 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 required by electric heaters and other devices. 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. By following these winter weather safety tips, you will be ready to face the oncoming cold temperatures.