Enjoy Winter and the Holidays Safely!
How to Stay Safe Indoors and Outdoors,
At Home and On the Road

Party hosting  |  Winter Walking  |  Winter Driving

When you go visiting

Make your holidays a happy and a safe time for yourself and everyone around you by following these simple safety rules.

• When you leave the house, turn off all tree lights and blow out all candles.
• Buckle your seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a car. Whether you're traveling by car or plane, make sure your child is buckled in a safety seat, booster seat, or seatbelt.
• Avoid driving in snowy or icy weather. If that's not possible, drive slowly. It takes longer to stop on wet or icy roads.
• Remember that homes you visit may not be child-proofed. Ask to move breakable or dangerous items out of children's reach.
• If the host's home has stairs, bring a safety gate.
• When staying overnight, bring outlet covers and check that cabinets are free of toxic items or have safety latches.
• When visiting friends or relatives who have a dog, let the dog sniff you before you try to pet it. Do not leave your child alone with the dog.
• Never drive after you drink or use drugs.

When hosting a holiday party or feast, follow some basic safety tips to prevent injuries.

• Turn handles of pots and pans on the stove inward so children can't reach them. Use the back burners, if possible.
• Keep knives and other sharp utensils away from children.
• Keep hot foods and drinks away from table and counter edges.
• Never hold a child while you're carrying hot foods or drinks or while you're cooking.
• Offer plenty of nonalcoholic drink alternatives. Keep all drinks—alcoholic or not, away from children.
• Do not place candy, chocolates, or other treats within children's reach.
• Clean up right after a meal or party. Children can choke on leftover food or be exposed to alcohol or tobacco.
• Don't let any of your guests drive home if they've been drinking.

After a snow or ice storm, pedestrian traffic increases significantly. But "walking in a winter wonderland" can create potentially fatal pedestrian safety problems that are often ignored or overlooked by traffic safety experts. Snow drifts can cover signs and landmarks, or block corners, crosswalks, and handicap access ramps. Walkways may not be cleared, forcing pedestrians to walk in the street. The snow and ice can turn familiar territory into an alien landscape for pedestrians and motorists. Everyone is a pedestrian, but there are things you can do to be a smart pedestrian - especially during the winter months. Before you take one step onto that slippery sidewalk, consider the following safety tips!

Winter Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• If the sidewalks and walkways are impassable and you have to walk in the street, walk against traffic and as close to the curb as you can.
• Proper gear is a must, but wearing dark "winter" colors can make it hard for motorists to see you, especially if they aren't expecting you. Consider wearing a brightly-colored scarf or hat, or reflective gear, especially if you have to walk in the street. And don't forget gloves, and shoes or boots with non-slip soles.
• Snow that has accumulated into drifts can muffle the sounds of approaching motor vehicles. Wearing hats and scarves that cover your ears can also distort or even eliminate these sounds. Keep warm, but make sure you can hear what's going on around you.
• If you can, shop before the storm hits! If you have to shop, don't buy more than you can easily carry. Remember - the streets may be slippery and carrying heavy packages can impair your balance.
• When traveling with babies or small children, make sure they are dressed in brightly colored or reflective clothing. If you have to push a stroller or walk in the street, the child should be in front of you and as close to the curb as possible.
• Because of road conditions, motorists may not be able to stop at traffic signals or slow down for pedestrians. Before you step off of the curb into the street, make sure that any approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop.
• Bending your knees a little, and taking slower steps can greatly reduce your chances of falling.

Follow the Three P's:
PREPARE for the Trip
PROTECT yourself, and
PREVENT crashes on the road

PREPARE

Maintain Your Car:

• Is your battery good?
• Tires? Tread okay? Do you need snow tires?
• See and be seen -- keep your windows clear of snow.
• Put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir.
• Check your cooling system's antifreeze.

• Flashlight.
• Jumper cables.
• Abrasive material (like sand, kitty litter, traction mats, even floor mats).
• Shovel.
• Warning devices.
• Blankets (or floor mats and newspapers).
• Snow Brush/Ice Scraper.

• Food.
• Water.
• Medication.
• Blankets.
• Cell phone.

• Stay with your car.
• Don't over exert.
• Put bright marker on antenna/in windows/shine dome light.
• Clear exhaust pipe, if you run your car.
• Run your car just long enough to remove the chill.

• Be familiar with the maps/directions to avoid confusion.
• Check the weather reports and adjust starting time.
• Let others know how you are coming and when you'll arrive.
• New to Cold Weather Driving? Practice!
  • In a wide open snow or ice-covered parking lot, during daylight hours, rehearse slow driving maneuvers.
  • Steer into a skid.
  • Know what your brakes will do.
    • with antilock brakes, stomp and steer.
    • without ABS, pump the brakes to avoid wheel lock-up.
  • Slow down. Stopping distances are longer on water-covered ice and ice.
  • Don't be tempted to start your car in enclosed space or idle for a long time with the windows up.

• Buckle up.
• Use child safety seats properly.
• Never place a rear-facing seat in front of an air bag.
• The safest place for all children 12 and under is in the back seat.
• Sit back 10 inches from an air bag.

• As always: drugs and alcohol don't mix with driving. It is worse on slippery roads.
• Slow down and increase distances between cars.
• Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road.
• Get plenty of rest. Avoid fatigue.
• Stop every three hours.
• Rotate drivers.

For more information, please visit the following links:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Safe Winter Walking and Safe Winter Driving