With near-zero temperatures and significant snowfall expected this weekend, residents are reminded of winter weather safety precautions.
Stay Informed: Forecasts can change quickly, and residents should stay informed by following local alerts and radio, NOAA Radio or local TV news stations for the latest information and updates.
Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure your gas tank and fluid levels are full, and confirm the lights, heater and windshield wipers are in working order. Prepare a winter emergency kit for your vehicle and never leave the house without a fully charged cellphone and car charger.
If You Must Travel: Inform a friend or relative of your route and estimated time of arrival, maintain a large distance from snow plows and drive cautiously even after conditions have improved to avoid slipping on black ice.
Outdoor Precautions: Reduce outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets. Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches of ground to reduce the risk of slipping. Be aware of the strain that cold weather puts on the heart and listen to your doctor’s orders about shoveling snow if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.
Protect Your Home: Please follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace or a woodstove to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of newspapers covered in plastic to prevent them from freezing. Let a trickle of warm water run from a faucet to keep water moving through your pipes. Generators should only be used outside and kept away from doors, windows and HVAC air intakes. Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functioning properly.
Residents are also asked to assist firefighters by clearing snow away from fire hydrants near their homes. There should be a clear path from the street to the hydrant, with three to five feet of space around the hydrant.
Watch for Cold-Related Illnesses: Extreme cold can cause cold-related illness, including frostbite and hypothermia. Know the warning signs and when it’s necessary to seek medical attention.
For more information and safety tips, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for Winter Weather Driving Tips, Connecticut’s state website for Winter Safety For Your Home Tips, or the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection website for Extreme Cold Safety Tips.
