Are You Ready for Winter? TRICARE Shares Safety Tips for the Season

For many, the winter season brings family, merriment and perhaps even some chestnuts roasting on an open fire. It’s easy to forget that winter weather can be deceptive and dangerous. Don’t let the season’s severe storms, light dustings of snow or cold temperatures catch you unprepared.  Make sure you and your family know how to safeguard yourself from dangerous winter weather.

One major concern of winter weather safety is the ability of snow, sleet and everything in between that can knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office. Get prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages, and follow these steps from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to prepare your home.

• Check your heating systems and have them professionally serviced.
• Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
• Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
• Install a CO and smoke detector. Check batteries regularly.
• Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
• Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.
• Keep an up-to-date emergency kit.

We also forget during the cold weather months that our bodies need extra protection when going out into the cold! Make sure to wear appropriate clothing at all times.  It is best to layer light, warm clothing, gloves, scarves, hats and waterproof boots for wetter weather. Work slowly when doing outside chores, and take a friend and an emergency kit when participating in outdoor recreation.

During the holiday season, we often spend a lot of time traveling to see friends and family.  Oddly enough, we don’t think to winterize our cars for the journey ahead. Make sure to prep your car for colder climates.  Have your radiator serviced and check antifreeze levels. Check your tire tread, and if necessary, replace your tires with all-weather or snow tires. You should keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines, and use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer. It is also smart to prepare a winter emergency kit for your car. Pack blankets, non-perishable foods, water and plastic bags for sanitation.  You should also include booster cables, flares, a tire pump, flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries and a first aid kit. If an accident does occur, with these essentials, you should have enough materials to keep you safe and warm until help arrives.

During the winter safety season, it is also important to make sure to check on family and neighbors who are at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill. If you have pets, bring them inside. If you can’t bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink. Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous for all, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy! Visit Ready.gov for more tips, resources and winter safety ideas.