Thursday, December 22, 2011

Winter is Here! Be Red Cross Ready With These Winter Safety Tips


By Catherine Carolton, Volunteer Writer, American Red Cross


The holiday season is about the weather changing, being thankful, spending time with family, giving back, celebrating Christmas, Hannahuk, Kwanzaa and more, and, in my case at least, eating -- too much. With old man winter coming to visit, it's an opportunity for Red Cross to educate and remind us about how to be safe as we're driving, shopping, cooking and entertaining.


Winter Storms

The Red Cross has tips for you to review before, during and after a storm. Bundle up, don't drive if you don't have to and listen to the news/radio for updates in your area. Learn more here.

Driving

Take your safe driving to the next level during storms -- allow for extra distance between cars, brake gently and slowly to feel hw much traction you have. Double check you have a safety kit in your car in the event of an accident: batteries, flashlights, water, non-perishable food and a blanket. Learn more.

Staying Warm

Be sure you weatherize your home so you keep the hot air inside and don't "heat the neighborhood" as your mom use to warn. A few minutes can save you energy -- and money - and keep you warm. Be sure to fill all those nooks, crannies and cracks where the warm air can escape. Change your furnace filter monthly. Use a programmable thermostat - not a BBQ or oven to heat your house. A space heater can be a great way to heat one area, just be sure you follow safety tips. Here's a few more no-cost holiday energy-efficiency tips.

So weather you're at home or out, be sure to remember these safety tips to enjoy your holidays to their fullest. And be sure to check on your friends, family and neighbors to be sure they are safe during the next holiday storm.

Our favorite way to remember the importance of being prepared for winter is the fable of the ant and the grasshopper. Do any of you remember this video?



What are some ways you take extra caution?

1 comment:

  1. It could be dangerous to drive during winter. The roads are usually slippery. Changing season could actually be troublesome sometimes.

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