Winter Safety: Tips to Keep Safe This Season

With winter coming underway, temperatures occasionally drop down to mid twenties from time to time, don't forget to prepare your home, family and your pets. If you know of any older adults, don't forget to check on them from time to time when temperatures drop drastically. When you are outdoors for long periods of time, make sure you wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Take some basic precautions to ensure your family safe throughout the season. (Be Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter)

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

With the winter season upon us, temperatures at time can get low enough for people needing to turn the heat on. Please be cautious when turning on the heat to warm up the residence, and please note that although carbon monoxide detectors can save lives, less than 1/3 of American homes have one installed. To not to get carbon monoxide poisoning, remember simple tips like these:

• Replace batteries for carbon monoxide detectors during spring and fall.
• Do not heat your home with gas range or oven.
• Never run a car or truck inside an attached garage (National Safety Council: Winter Safety Tips)

For more tips on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, check it out on the CDC website.

Take These Steps for Your Home

Winter is here, despite the fact that we are in the south region of Texas without ice and storms, it is still

important to stay prepared and check in with the National Weather Service for winter related alerts and other weather events.

• Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
• Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
• Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
• Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
• Check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill. If you have pets, bring them inside (Be Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter)

How Will You and Your Family Keep Yourselves Safe This Month?