Winter Safety Tips
A Comprehensive Resource

In case of a power failure, have an alternative way to heat your home.

In case pipes freeze, remove insulation, open all faucets, and douse pipes with hot water.

Stock up  on emergency supplies, stowing them at home, at work, in your car, or any other place you may be stranded or snowed in.

• A few days’ worth of non-perishable food and water, a first aid kit, any essential medication, flashlights, batteries, battery-operated radio, candles and matches, tools (snow shovel, can opener), etc.
• Also ensure that you have sufficient heating fuel (dry, seasoned wood; kerosene oil) to last for a while in case you’re snowed in.

Tune in to NOAA Weather radio, or your local radio or TV weather channel to learn about varying weather conditions.

Minimize travel. Stay indoors as much as possible.

Keep dry. If you get wet, change out of your clothes immediately.

Bring pets indoors, or move livestock to warm shelter with drinkable water.

Maintain ventilation, especially if using kerosene heaters (refuel these outdoors) or fireplaces.

Bundle yourself up.

• Dress in layers to stay warm, even though you might warm up later due to the exertion of shovelling.
• Feet, hands, nose, and ears should be especially well covered.

Sprinkle the ground liberally with rock salt or de-icing compounds to avoid slips and falls.

Shovel carefully. It’s an unusual and strenuous activity; probably not something you do daily.

• Stretch and warm up before you begin; take frequent breaks; cool down whenever you feel tired or strained.
• Position yourself so that you’re shovelling the snow in front of your body (facing the snow).
• Avoid shovelling if you’re out of shape or you’ve got cardiac issues.
• Never smoke while (or drink alcohol prior to) shovelling.
• If using a snow blower, follow the owner’s manual’s guidelines.
  1. Always turn off the machine before touching or adjusting it.
  2. Never leave it unattended while it’s running.
  3. Before you begin, fill the snow blower with fuel, while the engine is still cool.

Don’t overdo it. Come back indoors often and periodically to warm up.

Never play under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Play with company. It’s always good to have a buddy (or a few) when skating, sledding, or snowboarding—in an emergency, another person to offer immediate assistance could save a life.

• Supervise children.

Keep to approved and safe locations. Keep equipment away from the road and other dangerous areas with hazardous obstacles. Don’t ski, snowboard, sled, etc. on surfaces that are unfamiliar or hazardous.

First learn how to stop and steer.

Cover exposed skin with sunscreen; sunburn is still an issue, particularly with the sun reflecting off snow and ice.

Always don or use proper safety gear and equipment, respective to the sport or activity (helmets, goggles, etc.).

When driving, take heed of these winter safety tips:

• Check that your car is in good condition before bad weather hits. Ensure that you are well-equipped with:
  1. A lasting battery
  2. Anti-freeze
  3. Good tires; opt for snow tires or chains.
• Keep seasonal emergency equipment in the car, along with your regular emergency kit:
  1. Sand or rock salt for traction (kitty litter also works)
  2. Ice scraper
  3. Small shovel
• If possible, always avoid driving during heavy snowfall or ice storms.
• If you’re forced to drive in bad conditions,
  1. Drive as slowly as possible.
  2. Entrust a family member or friend with your itinerary so authorities will be alerted if you’re stuck or lost.
• If you’re stuck or your vehicle gets stalled, stay inside until help comes.
  1. Don’t spin your wheels; try rocking the vehicle.
  2. Light two flares and place them at a safe distance in front of and behind your car.
  3. If necessary, unblock the exhaust pipe from snow.
  4. Open the window slightly for ventilation.
  5. Turn on the ignition for a few minutes each hour to use the heater; wrap yourself in clothes and blankets.
• If you skid,
  1. Remove your foot from the gas or accelerator.
  2. If rear wheel skid, steer in the direction you want to go; if front wheel skid, shift to neutral and steer only when the car slows (due to friction), pushing the accelerator gently.
  3. Gently pump standard breaks; apply steady pressure if you have ABS (anti-lock brakes).

When walking,

• Dress in layers.
• Wear appropriate and warm footgear; waterproof boots with non-skid soles are fest.
• Choose bright clothing or reflective gear to be visible to motorists.
• Always opt for the sidewalk.
• Ensure that vehicles come to a complete stop before moving towards or around them.

If using public transportation,

• Stay tuned to weather forecasts for potential storm watches and warnings or changing weather patterns.
• Stay tuned for any changing travel announcements.
• Consider the probability of delays and cancelations.
• If waiting for a bus or other vehicle, stick far from the curb; slippery conditions can cause vehicles to slid and skid.
• Be careful boarding and exiting, hold on to handrails, and stay away from platform edges (for metros and trains).