Weather Winter 2012 Safety Campaign

2012 Winter Safety Campaign Weather Is a Factor at Sea ● Pitching, slippery decks ● Wind chill, heat stress are threats ● However, you don’t have to drive in it, play in it, or worry about your family

2012 Winter Safety Campaign Topics ● Driving in bad weather ● Skidding ● Driving at night ● Stranded ● Driving in snow ● Cold ● Blizzards

2012 Winter Safety Campaign Driving in Bad Weather ● Increases risk, especially when you’re out of practice ● Skidding, hydroplaning are speed-related threats ● Lack of visibility increases your reaction time ● Demands defensive driving

2012 Winter Safety Campaign Skidding Most pavement is slipperiest when it first starts to rain or snow—oil and dirt have not yet washed away. Oil and grease can float to the top of a thin layer of water on the road. Slow down at the first sign of rain or snow. Turn on your windshield wipers, headlights, and defroster. In heavy rain or snow, you may not be able to see more than 100 feet ahead. With that amount of visibility, you can’t safely drive faster than 30 mph.

2012 Winter Safety Campaign Driving at Night Drive more slowly—you can’t see as far ahead and have less time to brake for hazards. Make sure you can stop within the distance lit by your headlights. Use low-beam headlights at night when it rains. Don’t drive using just your parking lights. Use high beams when possible in open country or dark city streets. When you leave a brightly-lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness.

2012 Winter Safety Campaign Stranded? ● Don’t leave your car. ● Run the engine for short intervals ● Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow ● Lave a window cracked for fresh air. ● Don't leave your lights on ● If your car isn’t stuck, you should be able to drive to safety in a few hours after the blizzard

2012 Winter Safety Campaign Driving in Snow ● Tires are extra-important ● Slow down (seems obvious, but lots of people don’t) ● Watch the news and monitor weather ● Emergency kit mandatory, not a nice-to-have (if you have to spend several hours, or even all night, in your car, you don’t have to be miserable)

2012 Winter Safety Campaign Cold Dress in layers Add a water-repellent outer layer Try to avoid sweating or getting wet Wear a hat and gloves or mittens Learn the symptoms of hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and shivering

2012 Winter Safety Campaign Blizzards Severe winter storm combining wind and snow Dangerously low visibility, one-quarter mile or less May last several hours Severe ones can produce winds of 45 mph, temperature less than 10 degrees F, zero visibility.

2012 Winter Safety Campaign Blizzard Safety Kit  change of clothes, blanket or sleeping bag for each passenger  first-aid kit, prescriptions  portable radio  flashlight  extra batteries for electronics  knife  large empty can with lid, toilet paper  waterproof matches  bag of sand  tow rope  car tool kit  jumper cables  compass, road maps  windshield scraper  drinking water