. . . PREPAREDNESS . . .


Are YOU prepared?

Are your co-workers and fellow citizens prepared?

Go to www.whatsyourrq.org

to find out your Readiness Quotient.

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ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER?



FOR MORE INFO . . . www.weathersafety.ohio.gov

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Winter Safety Tips - for the Vehicle

Winter Vehicle Safety Emergency Preparedness Kit

• 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 vehicle’s 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 tire’s treads are one-sixteenth inch deep for adequate traction.
• Ensure the vehicle’s 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.