How do you keep warm and safe in the cold weather when you need to go out into the elements? Here are some tips taken from American Red Cross on how to keep yourself and your house safe during the freezing cold months of winter:
Layer up! Wear several layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. If you get too warm you can always take layers off, but if you're not wearing enough… Well, there is no going back. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat as well as frostbite.
Check in on warmth. Tell children to come inside if they get wet or if they’re cold, just because they say they aren't cold - doesn't always mean they truly aren't. They just don't want to stop playing. Check for blue lips and chattering teeth. Keep watching them and checking in. They may prefer to continue playing outside even if they are wet or cold. It only takes 30 minutes for frostbite to set in.
Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to food and have a water supply that isn't frozen.
Remember the three feet rule. If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away—things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
Don’t catch fire! If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs. Embers fly—don't let a hot ember land on something that can catch fire.
Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage. You can buy foam insulation tubes for your pipes to help as well. Never use an open flame to thaw out frozen pipes.
Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst. The thought of calling in a plumber on an emergency, makes me cringe.
The stove is for cooking. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. Carbon monoxide can fill your home if you use your stove as a heating source. Carbon monoxide is odorless, and can be deadly.
Generators use - only outside! Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage. Generally, generators run off of gasoline which emits harmful fumes much like your vehicle.
Keep these tips in mind this winter and stay warm, stay dry, stay safe, and I'll see you in the spring!
Read more at http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Top-Ten-Red-Cross-Cold-Weather-Safety-Tips
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