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Winter weather safety tips

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Updated 10:19 PM Thursday, January 7, 2010

As area road crews prepare for the season’s first significant snowstorm, residents also need to be prepared.

Tips to stay safe

Do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.

Use generators correctly — never operate a generator inside your home, including the basement or garage. Do not hook up a generator directly to your home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

Don’t forget your pets — bring them indoors. If you can’t bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and provide access to unfrozen water.

If you must go outside

Wear layered lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.

After the storm, be extremely careful if you have to shovel snow. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.

Seek medical attention immediately if ...

You have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.

You have symptoms of frostbite, including numbness, flushed  gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.

Traveling safely

Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...

Carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk.

Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

Source: American Red Cross