1 Winter Safety Tips

2 Agenda Cold Exposure Walking Safety Driving Safety Home Safety Holiday Safety Recreational Safety Snow Removal Safety Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD)

3 Cold Exposure Safety Wear Loose-Fitting and Layered Clothing Trapped Air Insulates Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and chill “Cotton Kills”…Use Polyester or Synthetic Material Wool will insulate even when wet Wear Hats, Hoods, and Scarves Over Half of Heat Loss Comes From Your Head Mittens are Better than Gloves Cover Mouth To Protect Lungs In Extreme Cold Drink Water to Avoid Dehydration CDC National Center of Environmental Health

4 Frostbite Danger: Skin Cold Enough To Freeze Signs and Symptoms: Loss of Feeling In Fingers, Toes, Ear Lobes, Nose White/Pale Skin Treatment: Cover affected areas and gently soak in warm water When part warm and red, cover with dry, sterile dressing Cotton or gauze between fingers and toes CDC National Center of Environmental Health

5 Hypothermia Danger: Low Body Temperature Signs and Symptoms: Shivering Disorientation Drowsiness Glassy Stare Slow Irregular Pulse Treatment: Re-Warm Body with Dry Clothing & Blankets Move to Warm Environment If Alert Give Warm Liquids to Drink Avoid re-warming quickly in water : may cause dangerous heart rhythms CDC National Center of Environmental Health

6

7 Walking Safety Dress Warm Use Good Boots with Non-Skid Soles Wear Bright and Reflective Clothing Carry a Flashlight After Dark Watch Hats and Scarves that Block Vision Use Sidewalks When Possible Walk Against the Flow of Traffic Center for Disease Control

8 Driving Safety Avoid Traveling in Snow and Icy Conditions Take a Defensive Driving Class Allow Extra Travel Time Decrease Speed Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide Dangers Remove Packed Snow Around Exhaust Pipe Don’t Sit in Parked Car With Engine Running If Stranded Use Blankets Open Window Slightly Run Heater A Few Minutes Every Hour To Keep Warm CDC National Center of Environmental Health

9 Driving Safety Have Your Car Winter Ready Check Condition of: Tires Battery Fluid Levels Keep an Emergency Kit cell phone flashlight blankets sand & shovel flares & reflectors extra clothing food & water first aid kit CDC National Center of Environmental Health

10 Home Safety Inspect Furnace Fireplace Chimneys Space Heaters Replace Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries Watch Children and Pets Around Heat Sources Never Heat Home With Range or Oven If gas heat, make sure vents are not blocked Keep a Working Fire Extinguisher Handy Post Emergency Phone Numbers Near Telephone Use Humidifiers to Improve Air Quality Center for Disease Control

11 Holiday Safety Watch Gifts with Small Parts for Children Avoid Overloading Circuits with Decorative Lights Use only UL approved lights Use non-combustible or flame-resistant tree trim Keep tree away from heat sources Choose tinsel made of plastic or non-leaded materials Practice Safe Fire Prevention in the Home Keep Christmas Trees Well-Hydrated Use Care when Burning Candles Unplug Tree Lights when Away from Home National Safety Council

12 Snow Removal Safety Avoid Shoveling If Out of Shape Know Your Lift Limits Avoid Twisting & Bending Push Instead of Lift When Possible & Use Your Legs Perform Warm-up Exercises and Take Rest Breaks Help Prevent Slips and Falls Use Rock Salt, Sand or De-Icing Compounds Be Careful Operating Snow blowers Never Clear Exhaust Chute When Running Watch Loose Clothing Like Scarves and Jacket Sleeves Be Aware of Projectiles National Safety Council

13 Recreation Safety Wear Personal Protective Equipment Use Helmets and Eye or Face Protection for Hockey, Snowmobiling, Skiing & Snowboarding Ride Safely When Snowmobiling Watch Excessive Speeds Obey Trail Regulations Ride With a Buddy Remember Wind-chill and Frostbite Dangers Ride Sober Carry Repair and Emergency Kits Avoid Thin Ice & Open Water National Safety Council

14 “Don’t Worry…Be Happy” (or at least don’t be SAD) Beat Seasonal Affect Disorder! Get Fresh Air and Sunshine Stay Active – Exercise Spend Quality Time with Family & Friends Help Others through Volunteer & Community Service Eat Well and Avoid Excessive Drinking Attend a Laughter Workshop! Mayo Clinic

15 Questions….