With the winter months starting up, it’s important to prepare yourself for the cold. While keeping warm and staying inside might sound like the best options, there are other important things that you should do in order to keep yourself, your family, and your home safe this winter.
There are many things you can do to keep your home safe during the winter months. Insulating outside faucets and pipes near outer walls and making sure your furnaces, heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves are clean, well-ventilated, and in good working condition are a few options.
You should consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home if you don’t have one already. Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning is possible by never operating a generator or other fuel-powered device inside a home, garage or other enclosed space.
Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven, and keep space heaters at least three feet away from walls and combustible materials, like furniture and bedding, to prevent fire. Turn space heaters off when you’re away or sleeping. Ensure they cannot tip over and that there is no damage to the cord.
When driving during the winter season, it’s important to be alert while on the road. On icy roads, drive slowly and keep a large distance between your vehicle and others, as you may need additional room in case you need to stop. Be aware that ice accumulates on bridges and overpasses, so approach them more slowly in winter weather. Make sure you do not use cruise control while driving. Ice reduces traction on roads, which may cause your vehicle to hydroplane or skid.
When it comes to your health, winter months can take a toll on your body. Nurse and HHS CNA teacher Ashley Albrecht shares some of the effects that the cold could have on your health.
“Cold weather tends to have cold and flu season along with it, so keep your hands clean,” Albrecht said.
Other common winter illnesses are Strep Throat, COVID-19, Norovirus (Stomach Flu), and Pneumonia. The cold, dry air allows viruses to thrive in the winter months, along with immune defenses becoming weaker because of less vitamin D, due to the lower amount of sunlight. This allows the viruses to spread fast in populated areas such as schools, stores, or hospitals.
There are things you can do to protect your health during the winter. Illnesses are preventable if you take care of yourself properly.
“Stay warm, eat right, and avoid overexposure to the cold,” Albrecht said.
The winter months can be harsh if you don’t take proper care of yourself. Make sure you dress appropriately for the cold and drink plenty of water.
It’s important to take all the necessary precautions for the winter months. They allow you to keep everyone safe and warm this winter. Remember to stay warm, keep healthy, and drive safely.
