7 Tips for Staying Safe in Winter

7 Tips for Staying Safe in Winter Image via Pexels.com 2.  Check your tires, engine, and lights There’s no worse time to get stranded on the road than during winter, so your car should be in top shape when cold weather rolls in.   Most importantly, check your engine’s antifreeze levelsâ€"otherwise, your engine might actually freeze. Checking your coolant system is simple, and there are kits available at auto supply stores to help you out. Because of chemistry laws, we know that pressure drops as temperatures dropsâ€"this isn’t such a good thing for your tires. If you find that your tires need air when it gets colder outside, you can fill them up at the gas station. The proper tire pressure (pounds per square inch, or psi) for your car can be found inside the driver’s door jam. You should also make sure that your brake lights and headlights are working properly for those nights when visibility is low. With bright lights, you’re not only helping yourself see the road better, but also helping others see you. 3.  Adjust your driving in harsh conditions Keep an eye on weather reports when you’re planning to drive in winter. If it’s going to be snowy or icy on the roads, don’t speed! For your own safety and the safety of other drivers, take it slow, especially on highways. Brake sooner because it takes longer to slow down on icy roads. Never try to use cruise control in bad weather. As always, wear your seatbelt! Truthfully, if possible, you should avoid going out at all in harsh winter weather. But if you must, follow these tips from AAA on safe winter driving. Living Space 4.  Be mindful of how you heat your home There are a few ways to heat your home in winter, but you  should always proceed with caution when choosing the best method.  First, if you own an internal heating system, you should have it professionally inspected for cleanliness and proper functioning. Make sure that the system is ventilated to the outside. Fireplaces and chimneys should also be properly cleaned before use. Improper ventilation from a fireplace or heating system  can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.  To be safe, you should have CO detectors installed in your home as well as smoke detectors. Be sure to check the batteries once a month! Image via Pexels.com Space heaters are an alternative for homes that don’t have internal heating or fireplaces, but these can be a fire hazard if used improperly. Never place anything on top of a space heater when it’s turned on, and keep anything surrounding your heater at least three feet away. Keep your space heater on a level, hard surface. No matter what you use to keep your home warm, never leave it unattended! Turn off fireplaces and space heaters before leaving your home, and turn down the thermostat while you’re away. 5.  Be prepared for emergencies Bad weather can leave you snowed in for a few days, sometimes without power. You should have non-perishable food and water stored for power outages. Keep flashlights, extra batteries, and candles handy. If you know a storm is coming, keep your phone fully charged. You should also have a first-aid kit with band-aids and extra medicine. If you have a backup generator, it should be at least 20 feet from the home to avoid CO poisoning. When the weather slows down you can take salt and a shovel outside to clear a walkwayâ€"fresh snow will be easier to move. However, be sure to push the snow with the shovel instead of lifting it to avoid strain on your body. You and your family should draw up an emergency plan for winter and review it several times to stay safe. Body 6.  Dress for winter weather If you travel by foot frequently,  be sure you have layers of warm clothes on  to protect yourself on those days when the wind hurts your face. Winter coats can be pricey, especially ones with fur or a lot of fleece, but it’s worth the investment. Find a long, puffy coat with a hood to keep the snow away. You should also invest in a pair of gloves, a scarf, and a hat or earmuffs. These small items will help to keep in your body heat and  prevent frost bite. The right shoes are also important to your safety in winter. If you’ll be walking in the snow, find a pair of high, warm snow boots with plenty of traction in the soles. At the very least, avoid wearing shoes with no traction at allâ€"slipping on ice could lead to some pretty bad injuries. Image via Pexels.com 7.  Protect yourself from cold and flu season Germs travel faster during winter, so it’s okay to take extra caution for your own health. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coming in contact with a sick person. If someone you know is sick, don’t feel like you have to shake their handâ€"they probably don’t want to pass germs to you anyway. They might even encourage you to keep your distance. The ultimate protection against the flu is to get vaccinated. Drug stores like CVS offer free flu shots when the season comes. Even if you do receive the flu vaccine, eat healthy so that your immune system is boosted for added protection. If you do end up with a cold or the flu, take care of yourself. Stay home and rest so that you can make a speedy recovery. Try some home remedies or over-the-counter medications to conquer your symptoms. Protect others as well by covering your mouth and nose when you cough and cleaning any surfaces you touch. Get well soon!