BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
January days bring the feeling of winter as snow hits the ground and children rush to raise snowmen as fast as they can. However, the season isn’t all fun and games.
Preparing for winter emergencies and related accidents is essential for a safe season. Winter effects go far beyond driving carefully in the snow.
When working outside, Dr. James O’Neill recommends that residents start by dressing appropriately.
‘No wet clothing! This means mitten, socks and even hair,? O’Neill said. ‘Always make sure that coats are buttoned and proper clothing (scarfs, hats and mittens) are worn.?
O’Neill recommends trying not to stay outside for too long. Frostbite can happen quickly and often can go unnoticed, especially by children.
‘Look out for kids in the cold.,? O’Neill said. ‘They usually aren’t able to tell when they have frostbite. When you’re freezing, you tend to be sleepy.?
Outside chores need special precautions as well. Those with cardiac problems or general poor health should avoid demanding tasks such as shoveling snow. A proper snow shovel, sprayed with a cooking spray to avoid sticking, should be used to push snow off of surfaces. Never try to lift snow.
Cleaning snow from roofs should be left to the attention of professionals.
Working with ice is another dangerous aspect of winter weather. Springfield Township Fire Chief Charles Oaks advises residents to stay away from lakes and not to go out onto the ice if you’re by yourself.
‘Believe it or not, there’s still open water out there in some places,? Oaks said. He suggests residents test the ice for thickness before attempting to go out on it and brining tools such as rope and ice picks in case of an emergency.
Back inside the house, winter weather poses problems as well. Furnace maintenance is a top priority for a safe home. Both O’Neill and Oaks stress the importance of making sure that furnaces are clear of boxes and that they have been checked by professionals for any problems.
‘If you’re worried about the costs of maintenance, clean and effective practices will save your life and are worth the time,? O’Neill said.
Oaks reminds residents to make sure that space heaters and candles are never left unattended in the home.
‘With more people inside, more candles are burning this time of year,? Oaks said.
Thermostats also need special attention. Try to maintain constant temperatures for both the health of the house’s heating system and your own. O’Neill states that thermostats should be at about 68 degrees during the day and that humidity levels should be at about 40 percent at all times.
On the road, a heightened awareness of the conditions around you is key to a safe driving experience. Cars should have a full tank of gas and clear windshields before heading out on long trips.
In addition to these tips, the American Red Cross has created a list of winter safety tips on its Web site, www.redcross.org. Topics include:
‘Creating a winter storm emergency kit
‘Listening to updated storm warnings
‘Knowing the difference between storm watches and warnings
‘What to do if you get stuck in a storm
Maintaining safe habits and a general awareness of weather conditions will make this season a safe one.
‘This is a beautiful state, a winter wonderland!? O’Neill said. ‘Get out there and enjoy it, but do it safely.?