Posted On February 11, 2019 Accident Tips & Prevention
Anyone who lives in the northeast knows that winter can be dangerous. Low temperatures, snow storms, and ice are all commonplace but unpredictable, which is why we have compiled a list of important winter safety tips.
One of the biggest challenges drivers face when snow starts to fall and temperatures drop is black ice. Black ice occurs when water freezes on an asphalt road, which makes
ice difficult — if not impossible — to see, oftentimes sending motorists careening off the highway.
There are a few steps you can take to drive safely on black ice.
When possible, avoid driving altogether in these weather conditions. This is safer for you and other drivers who need to be out on the roads.
Some drivers ignore the snow on the roofs of their cars when they head to work in the morning, but this puts them and other motorists at risk.
There are many ways that snow on the roof of a car is dangerous.
Clearing cars of snow can also prevent fines, as failing to do so is illegal in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and many other states. In some cases, merely having snow on top of the car can warrant a fine, while other states only issue fines in the event of a injury.
Cold air brings more than just snow and ice: it also leads to the spread of illnesses like the flu. There are many reasons why the flu spreads quickly during the winter months.
Knowing the causes of illness can help prevent flu symptoms and other illnesses during winter weather.
Even the best footwear can’t guarantee to protect pedestrians from slippery sidewalks. At best, these falls leave an embarrassing bruise. At worst, falls on icy sidewalks can break limbs or cause brain damage and skull fractures.
Homeowners and business managers need to follow the local ordinances for clearing pedestrian walkways. While the city is in charge of major roadways, the responsibility falls on individuals to clean up the sidewalks.
Failing to keep a sidewalk clean can lead to steep fines from the local government. It also puts the lives of local residents at risk, which can lead to lawsuits. Always keep a clean walkway, no matter how much snow is expected.
Frostbite occurs when the human body starts to freeze from the cold. Ice crystals form in your veins, blocking the flow of blood. Anyone is susceptible to frostbite, but it most often affects people with poor blood circulation. Frostbite is most common on the fingers, toes, cheeks, and nose. In severe cases, it can lead to gangrene, and an amputation may be the only treatment option.
One of the main symptoms of frostbite is numbness, which means that many people don’t realize they are developing frostbite until it is too late.
To prevent frostbite during the winter months:
In the winter, it’s tempting to stay inside and turn up your thermostat to stay warm However, many conventional heating methods also put homeowners at increased risk of fire or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay safe.
Follow these guidelines and practice carbon monoxide safety to help your family stay healthy throughout the winter. You can stay warm and cozy without putting your home at risk.
When you think of dehydration, it is easy to picture hot sunny days where we need a steady flow of water to cool down. However, dehydration is just as possible during the winter as it is in the summer. During winter months, sweat evaporates faster than it does during the summer. Even if you are doing outdoor activities like exercising or shoveling the driveway, you typically don’t notice the loss of moisture and forget that you need more water. Plus, you are less likely to reach for a cool glass of water during cold months when you want to heat up instead.
When the weather gets cold, make an effort to stay hydrated and keep up with the same fluid intake as the summer months. The human body works harder in the winter to keep warm and carry heavy winter clothes. One way to stay strong and healthy is with extra fluids keeping your systems going.
With every snowfall comes the melt, which means water pooling around the house or getting tracked inside on our shoes and clothes. This might just seem like a cleaning nuisance, but it can actually become hazardous. Anyone can slip on the water and fall. A small bump can turn into a bone bruise or fracture that takes months (and several expensive doctor’s visits) to heal.
There are a few things you can do in your home to keep it safe and clean.
For many people, more snow means more time spent shoveling the driveway. If you don’t shovel the snow immediately, it can refreeze and become a dangerous block of ice. However, shoveling isn’t always easy. On average, more than 70,000 people have a shoveling-related injury bad enough to lead to a doctor’s visit each year, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission. While snow might seem light and fluffy, it can do serious damage to your body.
To prevent pulled muscles from snow shoveling,
It’s easy to miss the sun in the cold winter months, but just because it isn’t warm doesn’t mean it’s gone altogether. Sunburn can occur any time of the year, even when the sun is weaker during the winter months. When you are outside for longer periods of time, you are at risk of getting sunburn on any parts of your exposed skin.
Winter sunburn is often called “snow-burn,” because the sun reflects off the white snow and harms your skin.
There are a few ways to protect against sun or snow burn.
The winter is a dangerous time, and it is important to stay informed and be prepared. Some accidents are impossible to avoid, but some are easily preventable with a little foresight.