TIPS FOR HEALTH, DRIVING AND A WINTER EMERGENCY KIT
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is issuing the following information in preparation for expected severe weather.
Hazardous driving conditions due to snow and ice on highways and bridges lead to many traffic accidents, which is a leading cause of death during winter storms. Another primary cause of death is exposure.
Winter-Related Health Risks
•People, pets, and livestock are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia during winter storms.
•Those at risk are primarily either engaged in outdoor activity (shoveling snow, digging out vehicles, or assisting stranded motorists), or are the elderly or very young
•Citizens’ use of generators, kerosene heaters and alternative forms of heating may create other hazards such as fires and carbon monoxide poisoning
Prepare A Winter Emergency Kit for your Vehicle
Supplies should include:
At least two blankets or a sleeping bag
Flashlight or battery-powered lantern and extra batteries
Booster (jumper) cables
Emergency flares
Extra clothing, particularly boots, hats and mittens
A steel shovel and rope to use as a lifeline
Bottled water or juice and nonperishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins, nuts, peanut butter or cheese crackers)
First-aid kit and necessary medications
Sand or non-clumping cat litter for tire traction, if your vehicle gets stuck in snow or ice
A cell phone and charger which can be adapted to vehicle use
Ice scraper and snowbrush
Tire repair kit and pump
Winter Driving Tips
If you can avoid driving or take public transportation, please do so.
•Pay attention to weather reports on the radio. Allow time in your schedule for bad weather and/or traffic delays
•Keep spare window washer fluid in the trunk and make sure the wiper blades are in good working condition
•Become familiar with your vehicle’s winter weather operating characteristics. Front-wheel-drive vehicles generally handle better than rear-wheel vehicles on slippery roads because the weight of the engine is on the drive
wheels, improving traction
•Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Remember to clean head, tail and brake lights
•If you need to turn on your wipers, you need to turn on your headlights
•Bridges become slick and icy before roads. Bridge temperatures can be five to six degrees colder than roadways, so drive with extreme caution during freezing temperatures
•Keep your gas tank at least half full. Fill the tank before you park for lengthy periods. This will help prevent fuel line freeze-up.
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