Some basics for us Southerners: December, January, and February are the leading months for home fires and associated deaths in the United States. Annually, heating equipment is the second leading cause of home-fire deaths in the U.S. and the leading cause during the winter months. Some safety tips on this and more:
Heating your space:
- Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom and on each floor of your home. Test it monthly.
- Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
- Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
- When using a kerosene heater, keep a door or window open slightly.
- CO is produced by fuel-burning motor vehicles, appliances, and heating systems. Invest in a carbon monoxide sensor for your home.
- Never use your oven or range to heat your home, not even for the briefest of moments.
- Keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby when using alternative heating sources and know how to use it.
Snow & Winter Storm: Other items not well know in the South!
- Be prepared. Before cold weather hits, make sure you have a way to heat your home during a power failure.
- Keep on hand extra blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, matches, a first aid kit, can opener (the manual kind), flat shovel, and special needs items (i.e. diapers).
- Stock a few days’ supply of water, required medications, and food.
- Infants and persons over age 65 are especially susceptible to cold, so monitor the temperature of your home. If it’s not possible to keep your home warm, stay with friends, family, or in a shelter.
- Dress in several layers. Covering up with blankets can also conserve heat. Maintain your body heat!
- Wear boots with nonskid soles. Wear a bright scarf, colorful hat, or reflective gear so drivers can see you. BUT, don’t wear a hat or scarf that blocks your vision or makes it hard for you to hear traffic.
- Walk on sidewalks if possible or against the flow of traffic (as close to the curb as you can).
- When traveling with babies or small children, dress them in bright or reflective clothing.
- Always keep children in front of you.
- Before you step off the curb, make sure oncoming traffic has come to a complete stop. Remember, the drivers you encounter are most likely Southerners having no idea how to drive in snow and ice conditions.
Speaking of driving in snow and ice…
The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. But if you have to, it’s helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you’re familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner’s manual for tips specific to your vehicle.
Lastly, use your common sense. And if all else fails, dial 911. Be safe and have a fun wintery weekend.
