We thought it would not hurt to go over winter weather safety preparedness since we will have a significant ice storm this evening.

We hope all our readers will stay safe.

The motto is: Be Prepared. Act Now. Stay safe!

Taking Emergency Action Series – Winter Weather

Winters in Indiana can be beautiful. But they can also cause blizzards, heavy snows, ice storms, freezing rain, and sleet, as well as causing injuries and damage to your home.

In case of extreme winter weather:

Are you inside?

Stay inside! Do not make unnecessary trips outside.

Stay informed. Your first line of defense is to stay informed of local weather conditions.

Use proper safeguards when using fireplaces, space heaters, etc., to prevent accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

When you do not have heat, close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels under doors, and cover windows.

Are you outside?

Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing instead of a single thick layer. Wear mittens instead of gloves.

Avoid exposure from extreme cold by covering your head and mouth. Stay dry.

Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling snow, as this can cause heart attacks.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia, including numbness drowsiness, shivering, stumbling, slurred speech, and a pale appearance.

Drive cautiously. If you do not have anti-lock brakes, pump brakes gently; do not slam on your brakes. Keep your car winterized.

If stuck while driving, stay in your car. Start the car and use heater for ten minutes every hour. Open windows slightly for ventilation. Leave dome light on when engine is running.

Do not wait! Prepare for winter:

Insulate pipes that are exposed to the cold and remove garden houses from outside faucets.

Let faucets drip during subzero conditions (if pipes freeze easily) or if instructed by the water company. Be able to shut off water lines.

Install insulation and weather stripping.

Check battery-powered equipment, heating fuel, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Winterize your car, maintain a full tank of gas, and keep moisture out of the tank. Keep an emergency kit in your car to help you stay warm, visible, and alive if trapped.

Source: Indiana Department of Homeland Security