Winter’s Blanket: Navigating the Challenges of Snow and Ice

The snow has finally made an appearance in Independence. While the snow is beautiful to look at – it can be dangerous if you get caught unprepared. Here are a few safety tips to keep you safe in the snow and ice this winter season.

Outside:

Playing outside in the snow can be fun – just remember these helpful tips before going outdoors in winter weather.

• Before heading outdoors, check the weather for potential snow and ice storms. If you need to go outside and snow and ice are forecasted, dress in layers to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. 
• If you are outside and a winter storm catches you unprepared, find shelter as soon as possible to stay dry. Cover any body parts exposed to the elements. 
• Exercise periodically by moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating. This will keep you warm but don't overdo it to the point of exhaustion or sweating. Strenuous exercises that cause sweating in the cold can lead to hypothermia. 
• Shivering is a sign your body is losing too much heat. If you are constantly shivering, it is a sign to head indoors to warm up. 
• Stay off the ice! If the ice is less than 4 inches thick, it is too thin to walk on. 

Inside:

Maybe you just like to look at the snow and not be in it. Here are some tips to keep you warm and toasty in your home during a winter storm. 

• Eat well-balanced meals and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Too much caffeine or alcohol will cause your body to lose heat faster. 
• If you are using a fireplace or wood-burning stove to heat your home, be sure the chimney is clean and well-vented outside the living space. 
• If you are using a space heater to heat your home, keep it away from curtains or blankets to prevent fires. Make sure they have an automatic shut-off and non-glowing elements. Keep the space heater away from water, and do not use an extension cord to plug it in. 
• If your doors feel drafty, you stuff blankets, rags, or towels in the cracks under the doors. To prevent heat loss from your windows, close your blinds or use curtains or blankets to keep heat indoors. 
• Remember to change your furnace filter frequently to keep your furnace running properly.
• Never use a stove to heat your home. 

Vehicles:

Vehicle safety is an important part of traveling. Remember these helpful tips to keep you safe on the road during a winter storm.

• If you are driving in a snowstorm, slow down! Always drive for the weather conditions of the road. Over 5,000 fatalities in the USA occur on the road each year due to weather. 
• If you get stuck in the snow, stay in your vehicle. 
• Be sure to add a colorful cloth, preferrable red, to the antenna or door to alert rescuers. 
• Have an emergency supply kit in your car with:
  • water
  • food
  • battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • flashlight
  • Jumper cables
  • first-aid kit
  • flares
  • ice scraper
  • spare tire
  • tow rope
  • cat litter (for tire traction)
  • blankets or hats, gloves, and scarves for each person in the car
  • cell phone with chargers and a back-up battery
  • pack boredom busters like books, games, or puzzles 

Pets:

We love our pets! Here are some tips to keep them safe during a winter storm.

• Move large animals to a sheltered area
• Bring pets indoors
• Give extra food to keep them warm
• Have plenty of water available (Most animals pass from dehydration in winter storms.)
• Make sure your pets have an ID in case they get outside

For more information, visit weather.gov/safety/winter and Indoor Safety|Winter Weather (cdc.gov)