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Be Prepared: Staying Safe and Healthy in Winter Weather

Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy. Prepare your home and cars. Keep emergency kits stocked. Be ready for power outages. Wear appropriate clothing. Check on children, the elderly and pets.

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months:

Winterize your home
• Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
• Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
• Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.

Check your heating systems
• Make sure that your heating system is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
• Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
• Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly.
• Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
• Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies. 
    - Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas.
    - Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, and disorientation.
    - Keep grills and generators out of the house and garage. Position generators at least 25 feet from the house.

Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages
• Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
• Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including: 
    - battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps
    - extra batteries
    - first-aid kit and extra medicine
    - baby items
    - cat litter or sand for icy walkways

Above all, be prepared to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill. If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

Article Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  Visit www.cdc.gov.