Winter Safety Tips

As Winter approaches,  we again need to look at the safety of our family while working and playing both inside and outside.

  • Change your furnace filter MONTHLY to ensure proper and safe operation.

  • Be sure you have an operating Carbon Monoxide detector in place.  Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas.  IT IS DEADLY!

  • IF anyone in your house is experiencing headaches, drowsiness or nausea, these could be early signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.   Leave the house and call 911 immediately.

  • If you smell natural gas, call RG&E.   If the odor is inside, leave the building immediately and call RG&E from a neighbors.

  • If you use an indoor fireplace or wood burning stove, be sure there is adequate ventilation. 

  • NEVER use charcoal in an indoor fireplace or wood burning stove.

  • Keep children away from the fireplace, wood burner or other auxiliary heating devices.  A child playing near or just being too close to these could be severely burned or even killed.

  • Keep children away from operating power equipment....plows, snow blowers, etc.

  • Use extreme caution when refueling equipment that has been running.  If possible, allow equipment to cool down prior to refueling.

  • Avoid hypothermia and frost bite.  Wear several layers of clothes to stay warm and dry.  Most body heat is lost through the head.  Be sure to wear a warm hat, preferably with a face mask.  Gloves are also needed.

  • When on the ice, use extreme caution and be sure the ice is solid and safe to walk or skate on.  ** If someone goes through the ice, call 911 immediately.  DO NOT try and go out to rescue them.  The ice around the area of the hole will probably not support the weight.  If available, throw the victim a rope or any object that will help keep them afloat.  Your local emergency service providers are trained and equipped to make rescues of this type.  DO NOT become a 2nd victim.  This will only compound the difficulty of the rescue.

  • Keep children away from the street.  With snow piled at or near the corners of the driveway and along the street, drivers cannot see children playing.

  • Sledding, Skiing and Snowboarding are great ways to spend a winter day.  Sled ONLY in open, well lit areas.  Ski and Snowboard ONLY at properly monitored areas with on-site emergency services.  Trees and large bumps or mounds of snow pose the greatest threat.

  • Ski and Snowboard ONLY on slopes that match your level of expertise.

  • If someone is injured, DO NOT move them.  Call 911 or contact the Ski Patrol immediately and cover them to keep them warm.  Neck and spinal cord injuries are common on the slopes.  Moving the victim may cause additional and irreversible injury.

  • Drive carefully and leave extra time to reach your destination.  Adjust your speed for the conditions.

  • If you drive a Sport Utility Vehicle(SUV), remember that the 4 Wheel Drive capability helps you get through the snow and slush, but WILL NOT help you STOP!

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