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 

Old Man Winter is ready for winter...are you?

As we say goodbye to our summer and fall, it won’t be long until we are forced to welcome even colder weather and with that, tougher driving conditions.  With this in mind, are both you and your vehicle ready for the winter?  How’s your inner “Mario Andretti”?  Should your car break down or you become stuck, do you have a survival kit in your car? As a firefighter, I can tell you it will be hard for emergency vehicles to get to you during snowy and icy conditions so it is best to be prepared!

Cold temperatures can:  

• Reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle’s battery by at least 50%,

• Freeze tires, keeping them flat on the bottom for at least the first half-mile of travel,

• Thicken your car’s lubricants, making the engine work too hard, and

• Most importantly, extreme winter weather can threaten your life.

I’ve put together a few winter safety tips to keep in mind as you hit the roads this winter.

Be Aware of the Weather

We’ve heard it before, “If you don’t like the weather now, wait a minute!  It will change!”  I know it doesn’t always happen, but believe it or not…weather changes take some people by surprise!  Don’t be one of those people

• Before heading out, listen to forecasts, road reports and storm warnings.

• Dress appropriately. Pack extra scarves, mittens, jacket, and blanket in case your car becomes stranded.

• Allow extra time.  You never know what might happen during your trip.

Prepare Your Vehicle

I think it would be a great idea to have a NASCAR Pit Crew in your trunk (or even a reliable Trunk Monkey).  Anything my car needs can then be taken care of on the spot, and quickly!  While I don’t have the room in my trunk for such items (let alone the money to pay for all of it), I do take the time to check a few items off my pre-flight list before the trip.  How about you?

• Are your tires ready?  Having a good winter tire makes a world of difference when driving through tough winter conditions.

• How’s your windshield wipers and fluid?

• Is your car cleared off? Clean frost, snow and ice off all windows, mirrors, lights, reflectors and your roof. Snow and ice flying off vehicles while traveling can be very dangerous.

• Do you have gas? Keep your gas tank at least one-half full.

• How is your battery? It’s best to charge it periodically.

Driving Tips

There are summer days where I find having to share the road with other drivers stressful!  This time of year, I believe that Mother Nature is looking at us and thinking, “How can I add to their fun?  I’ve got it!  Let’s throw in some slick roads!”  Since it is obvious that she has a sense of humor, here are a few things to consider should you be stuck in a slippery situation.

• Accelerate carefully to test wheel-spin and brake gently to test skidding.  Use the accelerator and brakes slowly to maintain control of your vehicle.

• Know what type of brakes you have.  Almost all cars now have anti-lock brakes and can be applied by using steady pressure on the brake pedal until you are stopped.  For cars without anti-lock brakes, use a gentle pumping action.

• Brake before you come to a curve, not while you are in it. 

• Heavily traveled intersections can become “polished” and icy causing loss of steering control.

• Do not use your brake on ice. Take your foot off the gas and steer as straight as possible until your car slows to a safe speed.  If the rear of your car begins to slide, turn into the direction of the skid. Expect a second skid as the car straightens out, and be prepared to counter this sliding action.  Look at the direction that you want to go…NOT where you are going!

• Increase your following distance!  Ice or snow can multiply your stopping distance up to 10 times.  If you do find yourself in an emergency situation, you can intentionally steer your car off the road and into a snow bank. You may get stuck, but you’ll avoid a crash!

Survival Kit

No one thinks about survival until there is a need.  Funny how we all work like that. In the thick of a problem is when we usually hear that little voice saying “Should have thought about this before now!”  There were times where I heard that voice more than I liked, but each time I heard it, I was in a situation.  I learned from each one, thankfully (although there are times where a few of my friends and family would mention how the Jury is still out on that)!  No matter, here are a few ways you can keep yourself alive until help arrives!

Use an empty three-pound coffee can or any similar container with a plastic cover to store the following items in your vehicle. Store survival kit in the passenger compartment in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut.

• Small candles and matches

• Small, sharp knife and plastic spoons

• Red bandanna or cloth

• Pencil and paper

• Large plastic garbage bag

• Safety pins

• Whistle

• Snacks

• Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter

• Plastic flashlight and spare batteries

Suggested food items:

• Raisins in small packets

• Semi-sweet chocolate in pieces for sharing

• Miniature candy bars

• Chewing gum

• Wrapped hard candies

• Food bars

• Canned soup, meat and poultry 

Store bulky and heavy items in an accessible place:

• 30-foot cord to use as homing line when you must exit the vehicle

• Booster cables

• Basic tools

• Sand, cat litter or other grit in a plastic milk carton

• Shovel

• Tow cables or chain

• Sleeping bag or blankets

• Road flares and reflectors

• Snowmobile suit and heavy boots

Remember…unless you need to be out, it is always safer to just stay home!

Mark Lafountain

Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Administration Division