Did you know that 60% of temperature related deaths are caused by cold exposure?

Be ready for cold snap during this winter season with these simple tips for your home and car. Stay Safe!

INDOOR HOME READINESS

• Winterize your home: use caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows
• Insulate your pipes. Possible exposed areas are attics, garages, basements, and crawl spaces (if unheated).
•  Know where the water shut-off valve is in case a pipe bursts.
• Do not significantly lower the heat or turn off it entirely to save money. This can cause pipes to freeze!
• Below freezing temperatures? Open cabinet doors under sinks in kitchen and bathroom to allow warm air flow.
• Allow your hot and cold faucets to drip slowly to keep the water circulating.
• NEVER plug space heaters into extension cords or surge protectors.
• Place space heaters on a flat surface at least 3 feet away from anything that can be burn.

• Unhook garden hoses from outdoor faucets
• Cover the faucets with insulation
• Trim any tree branches hanging over your house or car

• Get ready for a potential power outage with a 3-day supply of water and nonperishable food. Think about your medicines and your pets too.
• Keep extra blankets on hand.
• Have a basic First Aid Kit for home, additional medication, and baby items
• Keep flashlights and extra batteries, or other light alternatives
• No Heat! Dress in multiple layers of light, warm, and loose clothing. Close off unneeded rooms. Cover windows at night to reduce heat loss. Exercise to stay warm.

• If it is too cold for you outside, it is for your pets too! Keep them inside if possible.

• Wipe your pet's paws with a damp towel after coming from outside and towel dry them as soon as they come inside.

• Clean antifreeze spills thoroughly! Antifreeze tastes sweet and is deadly for animals.

• If you cannot bring your pet inside, provide a dry, wind-shielded shelter, raised slightly above the cold ground. Adding a layer of straw or using a heating pad designed for animals can provide a significant boost in insulation.

• Check or change your tires. Add a couple pounds more of pressure.
• Get your car battery tested and fill your gas tank.
• Have these in your car: First-aid kit, gloves, hats and blankets —enough for everyone who may ride in your car– extra clothes, portable phone charger, drinking water (fill halfway to prevent from freezing), and non-perishable snacks.
• Have these for your car: Jumper cables, basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench), cloth or roll of paper towel, flashlight with extra batteries, warning devices (flares or triangles), snow shovel, bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats, ice scraper with brush.