. . . PREPAREDNESS . . .
Are
YOU prepared?
Are
your co-workers and fellow citizens prepared?
Go to
www.whatsyourrq.org
to find out your Readiness Quotient.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER?
FOR MORE INFO . . . www.weathersafety.ohio.gov
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter
Safety Tips - for the Vehicle
Winter
Vehicle Safety Emergency Preparedness Kit
Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight or battery-powered lantern and extra batteries
Blankets or sleeping bags
Booster (jumper) cables
Fire extinguisher (5 pounds, ABC type)
First-aid kit
Bottled water and nonperishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins,
nuts, peanut butter or cheese crackers)
Road/emergency flares
Compass and road maps
Ice scraper and snow brush
Shovel
Tire repair kit and pump
Extra jackets, hats, gloves, socks
Bag of sand or non-clumping cat litter or rock salt
Tow rope or chain
Cell phone and charger or extra battery
Winterize your vehicle. Get
a tune-up to save wear and tear on its battery. Consider buying snow tires or
chains for the tires, as your travel dictates. Chains would be best on glare
ice.
Vehicle Care Tips:
Check the radiator for
its coolant level and check the sturdiness of hoses and belts.
Refer to the vehicles manual to see if a lighter grade of motor oil is
recommended for winter driving.
Check and replace all burned out headlights, tail lights and turn signals.
Ensure that each tires treads are one-sixteenth inch deep for adequate
traction.
Ensure the vehicles brakes are in proper working order.
Keep a bottle of window washer fluid in the trunk and ensure wiper blades are
in good working order.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. Poisonous gases filter into your vehicle
if the pipe is clogged.
Winter-wise Driving Tips
Pay attention to weather
reports on the radio. Allow time in your schedule for bad weather and/or
traffic delays.
Become familiar with your vehicle's winter weather operating characteristics.
Front-wheel-drive vehicles generally handle better than rear-wheel vehicles on
slippery roads because the weight of the engine is on the drive wheels,
improving traction.
Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Remember to clean head, tail and
brake lights.
If you need to turn on your wipers, you need to turn on your headlights.
Bridges become slick and icy before roads. Bridge temperatures can be five to
six degrees colder than roadways, so drive with extreme caution during freezing
temperatures.
Keep your gas tank at least half full. Fill the tank before you park for
lengthy periods. This will help prevent fuel line freeze-up.
Leave ample stopping time between you and the driver in front of you. Braking
distance can be up to nine times greater on snowy, icy surfaces than on dry
roads.
If your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), be sure
to: STOMP - firmly depress the brake pedal. STAY on the brakes - do not pump
the brakes. STEER where you want the vehicle to go.
During winter travel, it is best to supply those at your destination with the
following information: your cell phone number, departure time, travel route and
anticipated arrival time.
If your vehicle locks freeze, heat your key. Do not pour hot water on the
locks - they will refreeze.
If you become
stranded in your vehicle during a winter storm, it is best to remain inside
your vehicle. At most, you will have guaranteed shelter. Other safety tips
include:
Tie a brightly colored
cloth to your antenna, driver-side door handle or outside mirror.
Have a charged and ready cell phone to call for help in case you become
stranded.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. Poisonous gases filter into your vehicle
if the pipe is clogged.
Run your engine and heater no more than ten minutes every hour. Crack open a
window for ventilation when the engine is running.
Light a flare to let people know you're stranded in the vehicle.
Use floor mats, seat covers and blankets for added warmth. If you must leave
your vehicle during a blizzard, secure a lifeline of rope or cord to your car
to avoid becoming lost or disoriented.
Keep bottled water in the car or melt snow in a coffee can for drinking
water. Eating snow will only lower your body temperature.
Remain calm. Chances for rescue are better if you remain calm and in your
vehicle.