Don’t Be Chill About Winter Safety

Winter is a beautiful season, but it is also a dangerous one. During winter storms roads become more hazardous to travel on, freezing can occur in the home, power supplies can be out of service for extended periods of time, etc. It is important that we are all prepared for the dangers that this season can bring. The Red Cross has some great tips that we thought would be helpful to share about remaining safe during these cold winter months.

Remaining Safe During a Winter Storm

•  Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
•  Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure that snowdrifts, ice or other obstacles do not block their access to food and water.
• Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
•  Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
•  Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.
• Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
• Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.
• Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting,lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
• Help people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

The article from the Red Cross also features information on taking precautions against Carbon Monoxide poisoning and reports the best ways to keep your pipes from freezing. Remember, all Titan Alarm home security packages have an option for freeze sensors and Carbon Monoxide detectors. It is important to take adequate measures when it comes to the safety of your family and your home and take advantage of this new technology. Here at Titan we understand the risks associated with Carbon Monoxide, especially when the furnace is always running in the wintertime—you can never be too careful.

For the full article, visit the link below.

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm

image via the red cross