A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to winter weather, so we’ve put together a few tips to help you stay safe in the snow and ice.

Preparing for Winter

Know Your Weather Terminology
It’s important to understand the difference between a watch, warning, and advisory.

• A Winter Storm Watch means significant bad weather is expected within 12 to 36 hours.
• A Winter Weather Advisory means a significant storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring or is imminent.
• A Winter Storm Warning/Advisory means a significant winter storm that presents a threat to life and property is occurring or is imminent.
• A Blizzard Warning means winds at least 35 mph or greater, blowing snow, visibility to a quarter mile or less for at least three hours and dangerous wind chills area expected. Seek shelter immediately.

Preparing Your Home for Severe Cold and Winter Weather
• Build a kit; Make a plan; Be informed; Get involved.
• Place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently, and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months. (This is especially important as we become older because our ability to feel changes in temperature decreases with age).
• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
• Weatherproof your home by adding weather stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, or thermal pane windows.

Safe Home Heating Tips
• If you are unsure whether your heat source is safe or not, have a fire inspection conducted.
• Use only portable heating equipment approved for indoor use.
• Do not use your stove or oven to heat rooms.
• Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least three feet away from the heat source. Never drape clothes over a space heater to dry.
• Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Never leave children alone in the room with a running space heater. Turn it off if you are unable to safely monitor it.
• Do not overload electrical circuits.
• If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
• If you’ll be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated.

Note: Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) – a colorless, odorless gas – can be produced from improperly vented furnaces, plugged or cracked chimneys, water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and tail pipes. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are flu-like and may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, vomiting, and possible death.

If You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Open windows.
• Move yourself and other victims to fresh air immediately.
• Call 911.
• Call your local utility provider.

Smart Tips for Being Outside During Severe Cold and Winter Weather
• To avoid a chill, try to stay warm and dry. Layering clothes helps prepare you for different conditions and activities.
• First Layer. Examples – long underwear or thin and snug-fitting pants, and long-sleeved t-shirt or turtleneck. Purpose – provide basic insulation and move moisture away from skin.
• Second Layer. Examples – sweaters and sweatshirts. Purpose – insulate. Use one or more layers, depending on conditions.
• Third Layer. Examples – windproof and preferably waterproof jackets. Purpose – protect from wind and preferably rain.
• Wear your hats, scarves, and gloves or mittens!
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
• Avoid exertion. If you are outside shoveling snow, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it! Stretch beforehand, dress warm, work slowly, and drink plenty of water.
• Walking on ice is extremely dangerous. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.

Understanding Winter Health Emergencies

Hypothermia.
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.
• Signs of hypothermia in: adults – shivering; confusion; memory loss; drowsiness; exhaustion; fumbling hands; slurred speech, and, infants – bright red, cold skin; very low energy.
• Treatment of hypothermia: If any of the aforementioned signs are present, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, get medical attention immediately. If medical care is not available, begin warming the person as follows:
• Get the individual into a warm room or shelter.
• If the individual has on any wet clothing, remove it.
• Warm the center of the body first –chest, neck, head, and groin, using an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
• Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Frostbite
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body.
• Signs of frostbite: a white or grayish-yellow skin area; skin that feels unusually firm or waxy; numbness.
• Treatment of frostbite: If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. If medical care is not available, proceed as follows:
• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes – t is increase the damage.
• Immerse the affected area in warm – not hot – water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
• Or, warm the affected area using body heat.
• Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
• Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected area are numb and can be easily burned.

Winterizing Your Car

Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.

Weather
At any temperature – be it 20° below or 90° above – weather affects road and driving conditions. It is important to monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV, cable weather channel, or in the daily papers.

Your Car
Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:

• Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
• Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
• Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
• Inspecting the distributor.
• Checking the battery.
• Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
• Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line.
• A tune-up (check the owner’s manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Necessary Equipment
An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your trunk:

• Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
• Shovel
• Jumper cables
• Tow and tire chains
• Bag of salt or cat litter
• Tool kit
• Essential Supplies

Be prepared with a “survival kit” that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:
• Working flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
• Compass
• First aid kit
• Exterior windshield cleaner
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
• Scissors and string/cord
• Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.
• In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.

If You Become Stranded…
• Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
• To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.
• If you are sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.
• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
• Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Winter Pedestrian Safety

When conditions are right, wintertime walks can be exhilarating. However, snowy sidewalks and icy streets can turn a safe stroll into a dangerous activity. Many injuries result from falls on slippery surfaces.

During and after a snowstorm, Indianapolis residents are required by city code to keep their steps and walkways as free of snow as possible to keep them from becoming ice-covered. If sidewalks become dangerous, or if there are no sidewalks, pedestrians may be forced to walk in the street – and that can be dangerous in snowy or icy conditions.

Walking in the street may present its own hazards. Road surfaces may make it hard for motorists to stop at traffic signals or to slow down. Drivers may also be distracted by snow-covered signs and landmarks. When this happens, pedestrians are at risk of getting hit by a motor vehicle.

Mayor Greg Ballard cautions that, “Senior residents, the injured and persons with disabilities should be especially careful while walking outside in the winter. An older person’s risk for falls increases if he or she has dementia, impaired vision or impaired hearing. “

Falls are more likely for people who have limited flexibility and coordination, as well as adverse reactions to some medicines. Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and among older adults; falls are the leading cause of injury deaths.

Help Your Neighbor
“During winter weather events, I encourage everyone to do their parts to ‘help our neighbors’ by clearing walks and drives, lending a hand to do the same for others when possible, work with and volunteer assistance to your neighborhood groups and associations and check in on friends, family and loved ones to ensure they have the assistance they need. As Indianapolis residents, ‘helping our neighbor’ is a part of our city’s tradition.”
- Mayor Greg Ballard

This winter, follow these safe walking tips:

• Wear shoes or boots with non-slip soles. Also, wear reflective or bright-colored clothing, such as a hat or scarf, so motorists are better able to see you.
• Follow all traffic signs and signals.
• If you have to walk in the street, face traffic and stay as close to the curb as possible. Before you step off the curb, make sure any oncoming vehicles have come to a complete stop.
• Be aware of your surroundings. A covered patch of ice or a pothole filled with snow may cause a slip or fall.
• Bend your knees a little and take slower steps to limit your chances of falling.
• Wear gloves to avoid putting your hands in you pockets.
• Avoid carrying heavy packages which may affect your balance and block your view.
• If you are pushing a child in a stroller in the road, put the stroller in front of you and as close to the curb as possible. Dress children in reflective or bright-colored clothes.
• Hats or scarves that cover your ears can also distort or eliminate the muffled sounds of approaching vehicles. Keep warm, but make sure that you can hear what’s going on around you.

What To Do When You Have a Breakdown

In the event of an breakdown, move your vehicle to the right side of the road out of the flow of traffic (if possible). Stopping on the left side of a divided highway is extremely dangerous, but sometimes unavoidable.

Do not leave the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane.

Move your vehicle as far away from the traveled portion of the roadway as you can. At the very least, you should be far enough away that you can open the door without stepping out into traffic. You also want to be visible enough so that people can see you.
Show clear signs that there is a problem and you need assistance by raising the vehicle hood. This is an internationally recognized sign of distress. In addition, turn on your emergency flashers and display any signs you have that indicate you need help (such as shade screens with distress messages).

If you remain with the vehicle, another motorist will likely report your disabled vehicle to the police, and it will be easier for the police or others to provide assistance.

Always exit the vehicle by the passenger side, unless you are on the left side of a divided highway. For safety’s sake, do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle. Also, be sure to stay off of the road and away from the vehicle.

Don’t attempt to make repairs on a vehicle while it is exposed to traffic.

Be prepared for problem situations by keeping items such as flares, flashlights, blankets, and a first aid kit in your vehicle. Mobile phones are also helpful to ensure you can contact authorities and family members.

It’s also important to be familiar with the operation of your vehicle:

• Know where items such as your spare tire, jack, and other tools are in the vehicle and how to use them. Check periodically to make sure they are in working order.
• Read your owner’s manual. A motorist who understands how his/her vehicle operates is better able to detect and address problems with the vehicle.
• Conduct periodic and regular maintenance of the vehicle.
• If you hear or sense that something is wrong with the vehicle, have it checked.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation

How to React to Skidding and Hydroplaning in Rainy Conditions

Losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience. Skids are scary, but hydroplaning is completely nerve-wracking.

Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car’s weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires.

Taking these simple tips into account can save your life.

You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. This procedure, known as “steering into the skid,” will bring the back end of your car in line with the front. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid.

Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don’t put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.

If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally. The car’s computer will automatically pump the brakes much more effectively than a person can do.

A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures.

Reprinted with permission from the National Safety Council

Driving in Snow and Ice

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Don’t go out until the plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It’s helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you’re familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner’s manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

On icy roads:
• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Keep your lights and windshield clean.
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
• Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
• Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid:
• Take your foot off the accelerator.
• Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right.
• If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
• If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid:
• Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately.
• As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck…
• Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
• Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
• Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
• Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
• Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
• Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner’s manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you’re in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services