Safety During the Comming

The winter season is with us now and for most people it is a wonderful time of year. With the holidays just around the corner, you are able to spend some extra time with your family and friends. But, as with any time of the year, there are specific things that we need to be aware of to keep our family safe and injury-free during this winter season.

House fires are more prevalent in the winter months than they are in any other season. Records show that cooking is the leading cause of all winter residential building fires. This cause is closely followed by fireplaces, space heaters and candles that are being used for decoration.

The threat of winter fires is very real, as the following statistics from FEMA show:

• 905 people die in winter home fires each year.

• $2,091,000,000 in property loss occurs from winter home fires.

• 67 percent of winter fires occur in one- and two-family homes.

• 5 to 8 p.m. is the most common time for winter home fires.

Cold outside temperatures can also be regarded as a health hazard. Being caught in freezing temperatures not only causes physical discomfort, but a loss of dexterity, energy and alertness. It can also lead to severe physical damage and death.

A small temperature drop in the body core produces shivering. This is the body's protective mechanism of rapid muscle movement, which generates heat to help maintain inner body temperature. When shivering occurs it is a warning that you must seek a warmer environment as soon as possible to prevent frostbite or hypothermia.

Another heath issue that occurs during the winter season is that of head injuries. Winter sports (skiing, sledding, snowboarding and snowmobiling) accounted for 16,000 Americans being treated in emergency rooms for these types of injuries.

Fatal vehicle crashes are 14% more likely to happen on the first snowy day of the season than on the days following. Please keep this in mind on your first day of driving in the snow this year.

The best way to stay safe during a winter storm is to stay off the roads. This is ideal if you're already at home, but even if you're at work or somewhere else, it is better to stay where you are until the storm passes.

If you ever do become stranded in your vehicle during a storm, remember that it could be several hours before someone reaches you. Be prepared both mentally and physically for this possibility.

Stay in your car while you wait for rescue. It is safer then walking in a storm, unless you can see a building that is obviously occupied.

For this reason you should always have a car emergency kit along with some food bars and water in your vehicle. These meal replacement bars will help fuel your body to help you stay warm. Having a fully charged Cell Phone with you is also most important.

Don't forget to do the regular maintenance on your car. This will reduce the possibility of finding yourself in a difficult situation. Keeping essential safety and emergency items in your vehicle may just save your life.

According to FEMA, most carbon monoxide poisonings happen in January and the second most often is in December.

Because carbon monoxide has no taste, smell or color, it is strongly recommended that you have an audible carbon monoxide alarm in your home. This detector should be installed on the bedroom level of your home, so that it can wake you should carbon monoxide build up.

Carbon monoxide detectors can and will save lives, unfortunately less than one-third of American homes have one installed.

We hope that this information will help you to be prepared for the winter season.