Winter is upon us and that means cold weather and heavy storms. To help you stay prepared for the harsh conditions, the CDC offers some winter tips for your home, vehicle, emergencies, and outdoor precautions.
Home Preparations
The CDC recommends taking the following precautions to prep your for the winter:
- Winterize your home – Add insulation, storm windows, and weather stripping to exposed areas
- Check heating systems – Professionally cleaned, working, and well-ventilated
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each room or test batteries if already installed
Vehicle Preparations
The CDC recommends taking the following actions to prepare for winter driving conditions:
- Make sure radiator is operating properly and freeze
- Replace tires with snow tires or ensure tires have good tread
- Avoid fuel tank from freezing by keeping your tank full
- Swap for a wintertime windshield wiping formula
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including:
- Cellphone and charger
- Extra winter clothing – hats, mittens, coats, socks, blankets
- Snacks and water
- Jumper cables, tire gauge and pump, flares, sand/litter
- Flashlight and batteries
- First-aid kit
- Plastic bags for sanitation needs
Emergency Preparations
The CDC recommends taking the following actions to prepare for emergencies:
- Stay fully stocked on food, namely non-perishables and non-cooking foods
- Have a supply of bottled water
- Keep your mobile phone fully charged
- Remain informed on current and upcoming weather conditions
- Keep an emergency kit (similar to the one in your vehicle) in the house
- Protect yourself from carbon monoxide
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak
Outdoor Preparations
The CDC recommends the following when you expose yourself to the outdoors:
- Wear warm clothing – its better to overdress than underdress in cold weather
- Use cat liter or sand on patches of ice or other slippery spots
- Walk slowly
- Don’t stay outside and alone for long periods of time
- Always have your mobile phone in case of an emergency
Travel Preparations
The CDC recommends taking these precautions before and during winter travels:
- Stay informed on current and upcoming weather conditions
- Only travel when absolutely necessary during winter weather advisories and warnings
- In in doubt – stay home
- If you do travel – inform a close friend or family member of your route and how long you plan to be gone
- If you are stuck in your vehicle, try to do the following;
- Make yourself visible to emergency response teams
- Access your emergency kits and clothing if able
- Stay close to your vehicle and stay inside as much as possible to keep warm
- Stay awake and keep your body moving as much as possible to help blood circulation
- Keep the motor running heat on for 10 minutes every hour and keep one window slightly open for fresh air.
- Make sure snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe as this could be a carbon monoxide risk
- Regularly check on close family and friends who are more vulnerable to harsh weather conditions
- Keep you pets inside
For more information, visit these resources from the CDC: