The winter season has arrived and it is important to stay safe throughout this bitterly cold period. My Alarm Center wants to remind you to prepare accordingly for the cold weather.
- Pay Attention To The Forecast
Pay attention to your daily and weekly weather forecast. Look out for low wind chills and winter weather advisories. This will help you dress accordingly if you must go out, pick up the supplies you may need, and prepare your home for the harsh elements.
- Plan Ahead
Plan for weather conditions that you do not expect. Keep an extra coat or blanket in your car. Keep extra food in the house. If your job is outdoors, plan a warm-up break. You never want to be caught off guard in the cold.
- Protect Your Home
A bad winter storm could knock out your power or even your heat. Generators and space heaters are wonderful to have but be cautious when using them. Space heaters should always be kept three feet away from anything flammable. Generators should never be hooked up to the homes internal wiring. The safest way to use a generator is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to it. Be cautious of your pipes freezing as well. When water freezes it expands and can cause a burst pipe. Flood monitoring can be used to keep you aware of any leaks before they turn into a flood. If you do lose heat, keep sinks running a trickle of water to help prevent pipes from freezing.
- Winterize Your Home
Consider installing weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows to protect your home from losing heat throughout the season. Insulate water lines that run along your exterior walls to help keep your pipes from freezing.
- Dress Warmly
Dress in several different layers. Ideally, your outermost layer will be wind resistant. Make sure to wear a hat or insulated gloves. Keep your face and neck warm with a scarf.
- Seek Shelter When Necessary
When the wind chill is low it can do significant damage to your body. Make time to get out of the cold and limit your time spent outdoors. There’s nothing like a warm home on a cold day. If you want to keep your house warm but not have the heat on all the time, you can use a smart thermostat with your home automation system to keep the heat low when you’re at work and warm your house up right before you get home.
- Stay Dry
Stay as dry as possible when it’s cold outside. Wet clothing chills the body much more rapidly. If you begin to sweat from the multiple layers, remove your outer layer or unzip your coat.
- Keep Active
The more physical activity you’re getting, the warmer you’ll be. Walking or running will help you naturally generate body heat.
- Be Aware
Be cautious of signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Children, the elderly, and anyone with circulation problems are more susceptible to the cold. The use of alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications will also increase susceptibility to the cold.
The Signs Of Hypothermia
- A drop in body temperature.
- Shivering, confusion, and loss of muscular control.
- Loss of consciousness.
What To Do
- Get the person inside and gently remove any wet clothing.
- Lay the person flat and avoid rough handling, especially if they are unconscious.
- Warm the person gradually and slowly, with any available sources of heat.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
The Signs Of Frostbite
- Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch.
- There is no sensation and the area feels numb or is tingling.
What To Do
- Get inside a warm place.
- Warm the area gradually with body heat or warm water.
- Get medical assistance immediately.
My Alarm Center wants to remind you and your family to stay safe throughout the winter season. Remember to check the local weather forecasts and dress appropriately for the current winter conditions. If you notice signs of hypothermia or frostbite, make sure you contact medical personnel as soon as possible.