Safety Tips

Time to review winter weather safety tips:

 

Holiday Shopping:

With the daylight hours shortening, consider where you are parking. While you may go into the store or mall when it is daylight, dusk and nightfall seem to happen quickly. Be aware of not only what parking you your car is in, be aware of the lighting around where you parked.

When making several trips between stores and your car, don't leave all the shopping bags on the backseat of your car or visible in the back of your vehicle. Cover them with a blanket or privacy screen equipped on your vehicle.

Snow Removal:

Winter in Connecticut can bring lots of snow and ice. West Hartford ordinances state that snow and ice need to be removed within 12 hours of the end of the most recent snowfall or within 12 hours after sunrise. I

lf the snow fell overnight.If it is impracticable to remove the ice, sidewalks must be made safe for travel by covering with sand or other suitable substance.

The pushing or blowing of snow from sidewalks and driveways into the street is considered littering and is punishable with a fine.

Winter Driving:

Be sure you have adequate supplies for the winter weather driving. Allow the car to defrost the windshield before driving. Not only is it a safe thing to do, it's also the law.

Always check the windshield washer fluid. Keeping it topped off can help with the sand/salt mixture sprayed on the windshield by cars around you. Check the tire pressure on your all-season or winter tires. Studded tires are allowed by Connecticut State Law from November 15th through April 30th.

Inside your car, have an ice scraper, to aid you in clearing the windows. Blankets will help keep you warm inside your car if your become stranded.

Indoors Safety:

Be sure you have an adequate fuel supply to heat your house. Use only approved indoor heating sources. Gas grills, stoves, and petroleum based (kerosene) heaters are not a safe or healthy way to heat your rooms.

If you are planning to operate a chimney, have it inspected by a trained professional service that is licensed and insured. They will check for cracks, leaks and clean it.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless tasteless gas that is a bi-product of burning fossil fuels. Be sure your house has CO detectors and smoke detectors for early warning. CO poisoning begins with symptoms similar to flu-like symptoms (nausea, headache, weakness, etc.). If you or a family member feel like this, get fresh air, and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Power outages can be an issue with heavy snow and ice. Be sure to have a plan for nonperishable foods available that don't require cooking. Spare batteries for a portable radio allow you to tune in to news and weather updates. Have extra blankets and heavy winter clothing on hand in case the outage continues longer than expected.