Here are some safety tips to remember throughout this winter to ensure that you are able to enjoy all the fun that the season brings to us:    
Snow & Ice Removal Clearing snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks is hard work!  Prevent possible injuries from slips and falls, back injuries from shoveling heavy snow, and temperature related illness by following these safety tips:
·  Dress warmly, paying special attention to feet, hands, nose and ears. 
·  Shovel snow when it is fresh and easier to remove than wet, packed-down snow.
·  Take a few minutes before you start your shoveling workout to do some warm-up exercises and stretching before shoveling and take frequent breaks.
·  Avoid shoveling snow if you are out of shape.  If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel snow unless your doctor says it's okay.
·  If possible, push snow in front of you. If you have to lift it, pick up small amounts and lift with your legs, not your back. Remember your safe lifting practices!
·  Avoid twisting and turning with your back as you are tossing the snow, use your whole body and turn with your legs.  Do not toss snow over your shoulder or to the side.
·  If available, apply rock salt or de-icing compounds to remove ice from steps, walkways, and sidewalks.
·  If you use a snow blower (also called a snow thrower), follow these safety guidelines:
·  Read the owner's manual before starting your snow blower. Make sure you understand all the recommended safety steps.
·  Make sure all people and pets are out of the way before you begin.
·  Do not put your hand in the snow blower to remove impacted snow or debris. Turn the machine off and wait a few seconds. (Control the hazardous energy source just like you would for lockout/tagout of equipment at work!)  Use a stick or broom handle to remove the material.
·  Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running.
·  Fill up with fuel before you start, when the engine is cool.
Watch Your Feet! Walking in icy, snowy weather can be dangerous and result in serious injury.  Follow these tips to control and prevent injuries this season:
·  Dress in layers and wear shoes or boots with nonskid soles, avoid wearing heels.
·  Walk on sidewalks and plowed areas if possible. Be aware that those areas may still be slippery.  If handrails are available, use them.
·  Take slow, cautious steps when getting in and out of your car and to your destination.  Take time to plan your safest route before your start.
·  Don't wear a hat or scarf that blocks your vision.
·  Before you step off the curb, make sure any cars nearby have come to a complete stop.
·  Wipe your feet when you get inside.  Watch out for slick, wet floors!
 
Wintertime Driving Snow, ice, and extreme cold can make driving treacherous.  Follow these safety tips to ensure that you have safe driving experiences this winter:
·  Before winter arrives, have your car tuned up, check the level of antifreeze, make sure the battery is good, and check your tire tread or put on snow tires.
·  Keep emergency gear in your car for everyday trips:
·  Cell phone,
·  Flashlight,
·  Jumper cables,
·  Sand or kitty litter (for traction),
·  Ice scraper, snow brush, and small shovel,
·  Blankets, and
·  Warning devices (e.g., flares, reflectors).

• Avoid driving in snow or ice storms. If you must travel in bad weather, drive slowly.
• If your car is parked outside, make sure the exhaust pipe and the area around it are free of snow before you start the car. Snow packed in or around the exhaust pipe can cause high levels of carbon monoxide in the car.
• Don't sit in a parked car with the engine running unless a window is open. Do not let your car run while parked in a garage.
• If your car stalls or gets stuck in the snow, turn your hazard lights on right away. Stay in your vehicle until you can get help.  You are safer in your vehicle with other cars sliding than if you were walking on the road to another location.

 
Other Important Winter Safety Tips
Lastly, please follow these other safety tips this winter:
·  Ensure that you are controlling your heaters and heating equipment and maintaining them in a good, safe condition.
·  Do not leave personal space heaters on unattended.  Especially pay attention to turn off any space heaters at work when you leave for the night or weekend. 
·  Keep combustibles such as cardboard boxes, paper, blankets, etc. away from heaters and other heat sources.
·  Let someone know if and where you are going to participate in some wintertime fun such as skiing, snowshoeing, or even sledding.  Always try to have fun with friends and avoid being completely alone.
·  Remember that the sun can even be harmful in the wintertime.  Wear sunscreen on sunny, snowy days to avoid painful sunburns.

 

 

And remember, have a fun and safe winter