Winter
Weather Health and Safety Tips
Winter in Wisconsin is generally enjoyable, but sometimes the conditions
can become dangerous. Winter storms can sweep through bringing high winds, large
amounts of accumulating and drifting snow, ice, and extreme cold temperatures. Being prepared ahead of a storm will help you get through it
safely.
Be Prepared
Have furnaces checked annually for efficient and safe operation before
the heating season arrives, and be sure to change your filters
monthly. A winter weather service check-up for your vehicle by your
auto service technician is a good idea. Weather forecasts often provide ample warning to prepare for an impending
storm, blizzard, ice-storm, or extreme cold temperatures. When a winter-storm warning is issued, prepare for it by gathering items you may
need if the power goes out in your home. Items to include:
- candles, matches
- flashlights
- battery operated radio
- cellular telephone
- extra batteries (for the flashlight, radio, and the cellular
telephone)
- blankets or sleeping bags
- extra clothing
- high-calorie non-perishable food (such as granola bars)
- first aid kit and any medications you require
- tool kit
During a storm, you should stay inside. If you are using heat from a fireplace, wood stove or a space heater, be sure to
use the appropriate fire safeguards and properly ventilate the device to avoid carbon
monoxide poisoning. If you lose heat in your home, close off un-used rooms. Be sure to eat and
drink as food provides the energy your
body needs to produce its own heat. Wear layers of loose-fitting
clothing and remove layers when necessary to avoid overheating,
perspiration, and subsequent chill.
When spending time outdoors, everyone should dress warmly and stay dry. Layer clothing, preferably wind resistant, to reduce
loss of body-heat caused by the wind. Tell relatives and friends where you are going and
when you expect to return. Do not ignore shivering as it is an important first sign that the
body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
Learn more about Extreme Cold.
Return to top
Snow Removal
Removing snow and ice from sidewalks after a snowfall is very
important. Snow-covered or icy sidewalks can be slippery which can cause
people to fall and injure themselves. Because of this, many municipalities have laws stating that the snow must be removed from
sidewalks within a certain amount of time after the snow has stopped
falling. Wearing sturdy, rubber-soled
boots and taking care where you step can go far in preventing slips and
falls.
When you do go outside after a storm to clear the sidewalks, be sure to
be properly dressed: wear layers of windproof and waterproof clothing,
and be sure to wear a hat and gloves. To prevent injuries while
shoveling, try pushing the snow with short strokes instead of lifting
it. Also, use your leg muscles and not your lower back to move the shovel
. Take frequent rests, and again, be aware of the precautions to take
with extreme cold temperatures.
Return to top
Travel Precautions
If you must travel during a winter storm, try to plan ahead.
Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Be sure to let someone know of your travel plans, including expected time of
departure and arrival, and your planned route. Before you leave, make
a winter emergency kit and place it in your car. Items to
include:
- Blankets / sleeping bags
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Utility knife
- High-calorie, non-perishable food (for example: granola bars)
- Extra clothing to keep dry
- Sack of sand (or cat litter) for traction
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper and brush and extra windshield wiper fluid
- Tool kit
- Tow rope
- Booster (jumper) cables
- Water container
- Compass and road maps
- Candle, tin can, matches
If you are caught in your vehicle during a winter storm:
- Stay in your car or truck: disorientation may occur quickly in
wind-driven snow and cold.
- Run the motor about ten minutes each hour for heat only after
ensuring that your exhaust pipe and radiator are not blocked by snow or other debris. Open the
window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make yourself visible to rescuers. Turn on the dome light at
night when running the engine. Tie a bright colored cloth
(preferably red) to your antenna or door. After the snow stops
falling, raise the hood to
indicate trouble.
- Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers
and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
Return to top
Winter Driving Information
All external hyperlinks are provided for your information
and for the benefit of the general public. The Department of Health Services does not testify to, sponsor, or endorse the accuracy of
the information provided on externally linked pages.
This information is from the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation.
Additional Winter Weather Information
For more information, contact your Local Public Health Department.
PDF: The free Acrobat Reader®
software is needed to view and print portable document format (PDF) files.
Learn more.
Last Revised: January 13, 2009 |
