Officials Offer Cold Weather Safety Tips

Falling temperatures of late prompted Thomas Nelson safety officials to offer helpful recommendations for enduring the cold weather.

Personal and family member safety

• Stay informed about weather forecasts.
• Make sure all family members have extra blankets and heavy clothes.
• Check on those who may be vulnerable such as young children and elderly or disabled individuals.
• Bring pets inside.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing when going outside; also wear a hat and mittens (snug at the wrists).

Around the home

• Have emergency supplies of food, water, first aid items and batteries available.
• Check extra heat sources such as space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces to ensure that they are in proper working order and are not emitting carbon monoxide.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors.
• Do not use outdoor heaters that burn fuel indoors or in poorly ventilated places.
• Keep a thin stream of water flowing from faucets to help keep water pipes from freezing when there is a significant drop in temperature.

For drivers

• Equip vehicles with a winter survival kit to include blankets, flashlight, batteries, brightly colored cloth, sand or a bag or cat litter, shovel, candles and matches, nonperishable high-calorie foods, (nuts, raisins, and candy bars), newspapers (for insulation), a first aid kit and jumper cables.
• Check tires. Make sure they are properly inflated, the tread is in good condition and have a spare.
• Keep the gas tank full when driving in cold weather.
• Make sure brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
• Check fluids (antifreeze, oil, windshield wiper fluid). Use the wintertime formula in wiper reservoir to prevent ice from forming.
• Check battery and jumper cables.
• Tell someone your travel plans before heading out.

Driving in icy or wet conditions

• Decrease speed and leave plenty of room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between the vehicle in front.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If wheels start to lock up, ease off of the brake.
• Turn on lights to increase visibility to other motorists.
• Keep headlights and windshields clean.
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, there may be ice formed in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Don't pass sanding trucks and snow plows. The drivers have limited visibility, and the road in front of them may be worse than the road behind.

In the event of becoming stranded while driving

• Do not leave your car; it is your best protection. Do not panic, an idling car only uses one gallon of gas per hour.
• Roll down a window for a very small amount for fresh air.
• Make sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• At night, leave your dome light on.

These are just a few precautions that can make a huge difference, note College safety officials.