Tag Archives: Winter Safety

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

SNOW BLOWER SAFETY

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Snow blower and lawnmower accidents account for loss of fingers, toes, cuts, burns, crushed and broken bones.  It is very important that the owners’ manual is read first before operating a snow blower.  If you have any doubts, go back to the manual again to be sure!

Please operate the machine with care, and do not let a young person operate it unless they are very responsible and mature, and you are certain they can.  Here are some tips to help ensure safety when operating a snow blower:

  • Be sure that there are no children and pets in the area.
  • Be sure the discharge chute is not aimed at passing motorists or pedestrians.
  • Debris should be moved away from the area to be cleared, as it would be thrown farther than the snow.
  • Never leave the snow blower running and unattended.
  • Always be sure safety guides, shields, or switch guards are in place, and do not remove them.
  • Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
  • Never put your hands into the discharge chute or augers to clear stuck snow and ice.
  • Add fuel only when the engine is turned off and cooled down.
  • Do not wear loose clothing, as it might become entangled in the moving parts of the machine.
  • Be sure you know how to turn off the machine quickly.
General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

POWER FAILURE DURING WINTER STORMS

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Old Man Winter really had quite an opening act for his first day throughout the United States!
From the West to East coast, and all points in the Mid-west, he packed a pretty powerful punch.  Winter storms have blasted many parts of the country, with high winds, driving wind chills to as low as -25° below zero!  Hundreds of passengers have been stranded in airports, with flights cancelled.  There have been numerous traffic accidents across icy and snow-filled roads.

Hopefully we are all prepared for the winter season.  If you live where there is a threat of storms that continue for more than one day, and might cause power failure, here are some ideas to help you stay warm and safe:

  • Close off rooms to parts of the house that you don’t need to use.
  • Do not be short of staples such as food and water.  Stock high-energy food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration.
  • Have a flashlight and extra batteries.
  • Keep extra medicine and baby supplies.
  • A battery-powered NOAA weather radio can keep you informed of the situation.
  • Have a first aid kit.
  • Be sure you have extra heating fuel, as deliverers may not be able to come to your home for days.
  • Winterize your home by caulking and weather stripping doors and windows, insulating walls and attics and installing storm windows.  If necessary, cover windows with plastic.
  • Fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters are excellent alternative energy sources, but be sure your house has proper ventilation.

According to information from Electric Generator Direct, portable generators are ideal to help furnish power in times of emergencies, but they must be placed outside the house, not in the garage or near doors or windows, as they emit dangerous carbon monoxide gas.  Between October 1 and December 31, 2006, approximately 32 people died after severe weather knocked out power….not from the storms, but from carbon monoxide poisoning.  Persons using generators should have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

US Dept of Commerce
FEMA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

WINTERIZING YOUR CAR

We depend on our vehicles to get us where we need to go, so it’s important that we winterize them properly.  Be sure that your vehicle is in good working order when you need it most.

There are many parts that should be checked by you or a mechanic, so let’s get started:

  • Battery.  Cold temperatures reduce cranking power; your battery is asked to do more to start the engine with low temperatures, so be sure it is in good working order.
  • Wipers and windshield wiper fluid.  Replace old wipers if they leave streaks on the window.  Normal life of wipers is one year.  Leave them in raised position to keep them from freezing to windshield if car is left outside.
  • Ignition system
  • Thermostat
  • Antifreeze
  • Lights
  • Belts and Hoses
  • Exhaust system
  • Flashing hazard lights
  • Defroster
  • Brakes
  • Oil level.  Make sure you use the right engine oil. (Consult owners’ manual.) Oil thickens as it gets cold.  Oil with (W) in the viscosity index is formulated for winter.
  • Heater

Some other things to consider:

  1. Be sure your tires have adequate tread.  If you live where there are heavy snow conditions, it might be wise to carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle.Keep your gas tank full or half-full at all times, if possible.
  1. Carry a cell phone with you, as well as a list of emergency numbers.
  1. Consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean cat litter, sand, fireplace ash to prevent hazardous waste.
  1. When warming up your car, let it idle normally.  Revving a cold engine won’t warm it up any faster.

Consumer Reports
NYSEMS

Uncategorized

ANIMALS IN THE WINTERTIME

There are some interesting facts regarding the characteristics of animals during the cold months.  We all think of bears hibernating in the winter, but gophers, bats, snakes and frogs also hibernate completely.  Squirrels, beavers, skunks, badgers, and raccoons store food and do not hibernate entirely.  Some animals, such as the arctic fox, weasel, white-tailed jackrabbit and snowshoe hare, change colors to blend in with the snow in their habitat.  Their fur also thickens for added protection.  As we know, certain birds and butterflies migrate.

But our pets don’t migrate or hibernate, thank goodness, so it’s up to us to guarantee their safety during wintertime.  Please follow these safety tips to protect your furry loved one:

  • Feed them a bit more in the winter if they live outdoors; they need extra calories to stay warm.  Put out fresh water twice a day, or set out a special type-bowl that prevents the water from freezing.  Four-legged family members should have some type of shelter to protect them from the elements.
  • If your pet normally stays indoors, (or you are keeping the regular outdoor ones inside during extremely cold times), be sure to watch the temperature.  They can get frostbite on the ears, tails and paws if left out too long.
  • Do not let your cat or dog ingest anti-freeze from where your car is sitting.  It tastes sweet, and a small amount can cause severe kidney damage, or even death.  If you should spill some, be sure to soak it up immediately.
  • Honk the horn of your car before you start it to ensure that a cat isn’t napping in a warm spot under the hood.
  • Check paws of your dog when walking to be sure that ice isn’t building up between the toes, or that salt from the roads isn’t irritating the skin.
  • When decorating for the holidays, keep ornaments out of the reach of your pets.  Also, keep in mind there are certain plants that can be toxic if ingested.

Our best friends count on us to keep them safe and warm.  They repay us with their unconditional love.

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

FIREPLACE SAFETY

There’s nothing better than relaxing in front of a cozy fire after the day’s work ends, or on cold days!  Gas and wood burning fireplaces are designed to furnish years of comfort and leisure.  However, there are several things to consider that allow your fireplace the chance to work properly.

Wood burning fireplaces require preventive maintenance, such as being inspected and cleaned annually.  Chimney sweeps inspect and clean the chimney as necessary by removing creosote and leaves, branches, or nests.

Common sense tips on use of a wood fireplace include:

  • Make sure area around fireplace is clear of potentially flammable materials, i.e., newspapers, books and furniture.  A good rule of thumb is two feet away.
  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Use a fireplace grate.
  • Clean out ashes from previous fires.  Open the damper.
  • Do not leave smoking embers unattended.
  • Never put wrapping paper, plastic items, or other things in the fire that could create toxic chemicals in the smoke.
  • Be careful handling partially burning wood, use proper fireplace tools.
  • Be sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.

If you have a gas fireplace, remember:

  • Clean the glass.
  • Check the batteries in the carbon monoxide detector.
  • Be sure the vents are able to do their job and are not obstructed.
  • The fan and related air circulation passages must be kept clean.
  • Adjust millivolt output.

All gas fireplaces need to be installed by qualified technicians.  This is essential to the proper performance and safety of a hearth product and its venting system.  Serious consequences can occur if a hearth creation doesn’t do its job correctly.

Without proper care and maintenance, fireplaces can cause disastrous results.  Fire departments and businesses that sell fireplaces can help answer any questions you may have, ensuring the safety of your home and family, and letting you enjoy the warm pleasure a fireplace brings.