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Time to prepare for winter hazards

Posted at 7:38 AM, Nov 05, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-05 07:38:49-05

In an effort to raise awareness about the potential dangers of the upcoming winter season, Governor Rick Snyder has declared Nov. 4 - 10 as Winter Hazards Awareness Week in Michigan. Each day during the week highlights a different part of being prepared for winter.

During the week, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is encouraging Michigan residents to make winter emergency preparedness a priority.

Monday, November 5: Cold Weather & Hypothermia

The hazards of winter include the snow, ice, and sleet that can cause damage to our homes and lead to accidents on our highways. They also include the bitterly cold air and winds that threaten frostbite and hypothermia for anyone caught without shelter. The cold in Michigan can be deadly!

Michigan residents are always susceptible to the cold weather common every winter. The temperatures do not have to plummet below zero to create a life-threatening situation. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, 35 people in Michigan died due the exposure to the cold in 2015. This makes cold weather the number one weather-related killer in Michigan.

It is especially important to remember to avoid exposure to cold, wet weather for lengthy periods of time. As colder air invades the state later in the season, the dangers will increase. Always dress for conditions and do not stray too far from shelter for any extended period of time.

Look for the warning signs of hypothermia such as uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If medical care is not available, begin warming the person slowly, warming the body core first. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap him or her in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not warm the extremities first. This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.

Tuesday, November 6: Winter Weather Safety Tips For Your Home & Car

To prepare your home for winter:

  • Weatherproof your home by installing weather stripping and caulking and insulating walls, doors and windows.
  • Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls, so pipes are less likely to freeze.
  • Lock in a propane rate now and have a backup heating plan, such as a generator, wood stove or fireplace.
  • Have gas or oil furnaces inspected by a qualified professional and change the air filter every two to four months.
  • Have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected. Contact your local fire department for a referral or look for a local inspector online.
  • Install battery operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors near sleeping areas. CO poisoning is more common in the winter months when furnaces are turned on and portable generators are often used for electricity during power outages.
  • Clean gutters to prevent ice dams from forming. Roof ice dams can cause water to build up, leading to interior damage.
  • Clear storm drains along the curb to enable water to drain. If plugged, water has the potential to go into low-lying areas and flood basements.
  • Have an emergency preparedness kit stored safely in your house that includes: water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a battery or hand-crank powered radio, emergency lighting or flashlights, extra blankets and warm clothing.

 

To prepare your vehicle for winter:

  • Have your radiator system serviced, replace windshield wipers and refill wiper fluid.
  • Replace any worn tires and check air pressure regularly.
  • Have your brakes, brake fluid, oil, car battery, heater and exhaust checked to make sure everything is running efficiently.
  • Keep an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle stocked with batteries, battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, windshield scraper, jumper cables, mobile phone charger, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water in the event you get stranded or stuck.

Wednesday, November 7: Winter Survival Kits

Thursday, November 8: Preparing Your Home For Winter Emergencies

Friday, November 9: How Snow & Cold May Affect Your Health

 

Click here to find out more information from the state about getting prepared for winter.