By: Sophie Kluthe

Like many of you, I keep looking up various weather reports to see just how much snow (or rain) we might or might not get Wednesday as Winter Storm Gail moves closer to the Northeast. At this point I almost feel out of practice as we didn’t even get an inch of measurable snowfall last year in Philadelphia. Whether you are a city dweller, living life in the suburbs, or you might need to commute between the two, here is a refresher on winter storm safety.

During any kind of storm, your best bet will be to stay off the road, but if driving in winter weather is unavoidable, here are some tips:

• In your vehicle keep a windshield scraper, small shovel, and small sack of sand or kitty litter for generating traction under wheels. Also carry an emergency supply kit, including warm clothing. 
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to ensure you have enough fuel to keep warm if you get stuck. 
• Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road. 
• Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways. 
• Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather. 
• Don’t pass snow plows. 
• Ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways. 
• If you become stranded, stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters). You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow. 

For more on winter storm safety click here.

If you have to go outside, wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat to stay warm. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent, and if you can’t keep dry, change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Getting the snow shovel out? Do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body, which will reduce your chances of muscle injury. 

Speaking of shoveling, avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia. And lastly, walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries. 

If you plan involves keeping the front door firmly shut, remember to take the following precautions while heating your home:

• If using a space heater, place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface in the home. 
• Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces. 
• Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. 
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters. 
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home. 
• Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs. 
• Test batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 
• Develop a fire escape plan and practice it with everyone who lives in the home. 

Forecasts can change, so remember to keep an eye and an ear on your local weather reports. Remember to include your pets in all of your winter weather planning. Stay warm and stay safe!