Expand / Collapse search
☰

Winter weather expected this weekend, be prepared

Published  December 3, 2016 9:41am EST
News
FOX 2 Detroit
Image 1 of 3
▼

Create an emergency winter preparedness kit for you home that includes the following items:

  • Water, at least three gallons of water per person
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person
  • Prescribed medications
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Pet supplies
  • A complete change of clothing and footwear for each person
  • Bedding
  • Important family documents
  • Extra clothes and blankets

Preparing your vehicle:

  • Winterize your vehicle by late fall. This includes having the proper mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system, topping off windshield washing solution and replacing worn windshield wipers.
  • Check your tires to make sure you have an adequate amount of tread for the winter. Adequate tire tread will improve the safety of your vehicle on the road. Make sure to check tire pressure regularly throughout the winter season.
  • It’s good practice to have your radiator system, engine and heating system checked every fall before winter comes. Also check brakes, brake fluid, oil and car battery as well.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times during the winter to avoid fuel lines freezing up and getting ice buildup in your tank.
  • Keep an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle stocked in the event you get stranded or stuck. Your car should always be equipped with a container of emergency supplies. Keep the following items in your kit: Small battery powered or hand-crank radio Flashlight Extra batteries Cellular phone and charger Windshield scraper Jumper cables Shovel Extra blankets and clothes Flares Non-perishable food and bottled water First aid kit Tire repair kit and pump “Call Police” or other “Help” sign
  • Small battery powered or hand-crank radio
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Cellular phone and charger
  • Windshield scraper
  • Jumper cables
  • Shovel
  • Extra blankets and clothes
  • Flares
  • Non-perishable food and bottled water
  • First aid kit
  • Tire repair kit and pump
  • “Call Police” or other “Help” sign

Outside:

  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. Sweating can lead to chill, hypothermia, and abnormally low body temperatures. Cold weather puts extra strain on the heart, so elderly with heart conditions should be especially cautious when out in the cold.
  • Be careful when walking on snowy or icy sidewalks.
  • Do your best to keep clothes dry. Change wet socks and clothing quickly to prevent loss of body heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing in layers, with a waterproof outer layer. Wear a wool hat and mittens.
  • Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body and can lead to severe hypothermia.

 

Info from the Michigan State Police