Winter Driving: Avoiding Frost-ration

 

Cold weather is upon us. There are many who LOVE this weather.  Before trudging into the Arctic splendor, those folks make a mental note of what they need in order to enjoy all it has to offer. Coat…check.  Boots…check. Gloves…check. Scarf…check. What about driving in a Winter Wonderland? Have they prepared themselves for what could be a challenging and exciting trek? Is the car ready to go? What if they break down on the trip?

Prepare Your Vehicle

Traveling in the winter weather can be dangerous. Icy roads could put you in a snowbank at 2am with no one around to assist. Cold weather could affect your tires. Following cars could cloud your vision. Your heat could stop working. I could go on, but let us look at some things you should do before driving in the cold weather:

• Service your radiator system or check it with an antifreeze tester. Make sure the system is ready for the cold weather.
• Check your windshield-wiper fluid.  Do you still have the “summertime” mix? Make sure it is ready for winter. There are “wintertime” mixes that can protect as low as -30^oF.
• Check your tires. Is there still tread? If not, replace them. Are they underinflated or almost exactly where they need to be (typically between 30-35psi)? Colder temperatures will make the tire pressure drop.  Make sure they are up to pressure.
• Check your gas. How much is in your tank? Keep your gas tank near full to lessen the chance of ice buildup. 
• Make sure stuff works. When is the last time you pushed / pulled all of the buttons, flipped all the switches, or turned all of the knobs? Check the important ones: 
• Heater. Does it put out heat?  
• Defroster. Does it turn on? Does it defrost the windows? 
• Ignition. Does it work? 
• Emergency flashers. Do they work in the front of the car AND the back?
• Check other items. What other items need to be in good condition to make sure you are safe? Here are a few more: 
• Brakes. When was the last time you had them serviced? 
• Brake fluid. Is there enough fluid (or maybe too much)?  
• Exhaust. Can you smell exhaust on a calm day, when sitting still?  Can you see it coming out from a spot that it should not?  
• Battery. Is there at least 12 Volts (or will it turn over the engine like normal)?

Not only should we keep our vehicle ready for winter driving, we should also think of things to keep inside of that vehicle for emergencies, such as an Emergency Kit. Your kit could be a lifesaver if you get stranded on the road during the winter weather.

Just as rosy cheeks are visible when we shovel snow and fingers and toes can get cold when not wearing the right stuff, if you and your car are not ready for what Old Man Winter throws at you, chaos is what it will be. 

Learn more ways to prepare your family for winter weather by reading our Winter Safety Guide. Visit http://www.clintonhealth.org/news_letters/WinterSafetyGuide2021.pdf to learn more.

 

Mark Lafountain

Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Clinton County Health Department

Ice, Ice, Baby!

Whoa. Mother Nature showed us some fury this weekend…wind, rain, freezing temperatures, ice, more wind, a little snow and oh, an earthquake too. Winter weather is in full swing and so are weather related injuries. 

All right stop. 

Collaborate and listen. 

First off, if you’re planning on doing any break-dancing I would suggest staying inside or it may end up more like a slip-n-slide. Once you’re done dancing I want to share with you some fool proof ways to keep both feet firmly on the ground.

1. Keep your hands free, not in your pockets. This will allow you to brace yourself should you slip and fall.
   
   
2. Wear proper shoes. I know heels and leather-soled shoes are more fashionable, but boots with rubber soles will help keep you upright. If it is really icy use ice cleats or creepers for added traction.
3. Check before you step. Ice and slippery surfaces are not always easy to see. If you think an area may be slippery test the area without using the full weight of your body.
4. Avoid carrying heavy loads when walking over areas packed with snow or ice.
5. Don’t run across wet, icy or snow-filled surface. That is just asking for trouble.
6. Use handrails, walls, door handles and other secure objects to brace yourself when stepping onto icy or snowy surfaces.
   
7. Take short steps, with your feet pointed out slightly, like a penguin.
8. Stay on cleared sidewalks or paths and keep your own driveway and sidewalk clear of snow and ice.
9. Dress warm. When your body is cold your muscles are tense and that can affect your balance.
10. Ask for help if you need it.

Remember, if the weather is bad and you don’t have to leave the house, stay put. Warm up a nice cup of tea and finish off the book that’s been sitting half-finished on your nightstand. Your errands will still be there tomorrow.

For more winter safety tips head on over to our 2019-2020 Winter Safety Guide.

Molly Flynn, Senior Public Health Educator 
KayLeigh Raville, Public Health Nutritionist 
Health Planning and Promotion Division 

Snowball - A Celebration of Winter in the North Country

As we settle into winter in the North Country, below zero temperatures and heavy snowfalls may cause the dreaded cabin fever. Are you finding your once cozy walls are closing in? Never fear, dear North Country families…for the SNOWBALL is HERE! 

Snowball is a collection of free or low cost family friendly activities that area agencies, wellness centers, museums, and towns offer to families throughout the month of February. Take a peek at the calendar and find all of the fun events along with the dates, times and details. Here are some highlights that I am sure you and your family will enjoy:

·         Point Au Roche State Park’s Family Nature Program, Little Explorer’s Program, and their Nature Center Open House will open your eyes to the beauty of the North Country. 

·         No plans to travel but longing for the beach?  Check out Friday night swimming at the CVPH Wellness Center. 

·         Do your youngsters need to get the winter wiggles out? The Child Care Council and Plattsburgh City Rec Department’s weekly Wee Family Gym Time should do the trick!

·          For 4- 8 year olds, Mountain Lake PBS is introducing the new children’s show, Let’s Go Luna, with crafts and activities. 

·         Turn off the electronics and get brains active with Science Tuesday at Kid’s Station Children's Museum, or choose a free book at a special edition of Journey Into Reading, Snowballs & Reading, at the Champlain Centre Mall. 

·         Hit the links at the Plattsburgh Public Library for some Winter Wonderland Mini Golf! 

·         Enjoy some culture by attending a performance from The Champlain Valley Irish Dancers, or partake in an art program at the Strand Theatre. 

·         Get ready to howl at the moon when the Town of Plattsburgh and Clinton County Youth Bureau team up to offer a Full Moon Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski. Can’t make it to the Full Moon Party? No problem, there are two more dates to Snowshoe and Ski with the whole family!

·         Is tubing more your style? The Child Care Coordinating Council and Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan are hosting a family tubing night at Beartown Ski Area, complete with hot cocoa and snacks. 

·         Drumroll please…for the Snowball 2019 finale please join us for a hilarious, interactive Completely Stranded Family Comedy Event, sponsored by the Clinton County District Attorney’s Child Advocacy Center & Berkshire Farms. 

With generous support from Plattsburgh Pediatrics, we were able to print and provide North Country schoolchildren with a Snowball Calendar of their very own, so look for those in your child’s back pack soon. 

See you at SNOWBALL 2019!

Juliette Lynch,

Child Care Coordinating Council of the North Country