Tips to Consider When Hitting the Road this Winter As cold, snowy and icy winter weather hits Central Ohio, it’s important to take the necessary steps to keep you and others safe on the road. Bad winter weather has a major impact on transportation, resulting in nearly 500,000 crashes and more than thousands of deaths every winter, according to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Staying safe on winter roads starts before you hit the ignition. Motorists should keep cold-weather gear, including food and water, warm clothing, blankets, a glass scraper and a flashlight in the vehicle while making sure all tires are inflated and the vehicle has at least half a tank of gas at all times. Also, always remember to check the weather before heading out on any long-distance trip. In case of inclement weather, AAA first recommends simply staying home and only going out if necessary. However, if you do need to travel, the organization says to drive slowly, accelerate and decelerate comfortably, know your brakes and increase your following distance to provide more room if you have to stop quickly. In addition, motorists should avoid stopping if possible and do not power up or stop while going up a hill. Try to gain momentum before reaching the hill so that the inertia will carry the vehicle to the top without having to stop. If you do get stuck in the snow, it’s important to stay with your vehicle for shelter and making it easier to be located. Be sure to stay visible with a dome light on and not to over-exert yourself while trying to dig the vehicle out. Most importantly, use blankets and clothing to stay warm and conserve fuel by only running the engine long enough to remove the chill. For more travel and winter-weather tips, visit www.aaa.com.
Watch Your Back: Shovel Safely this Winter Westerville residents are encouraged to exercise great caution while shoveling snow this winter. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), one foot of fresh snow can weigh three pounds per square foot up to 21 pounds per square foot, depending on the consistency of the white stuff. Considering shoveling isn’t a daily task for Ohioans, most people aren’t exactly physically conditioned for the task. In fact, data analyzed by the Center for Injury Research and Policy, Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that nearly 11,500 people receive medical attention for snow shoveling injuries. Keep yourself safe this winter by following the simple tips to the right.
SAFE SHOVELING TIPS: Stretch first to warm up! Push the shovel, avoid lifting. If you must lift, do so with your legs, never your back. Listen to your body and rest when you need to. Know the signs of a heart attack and call 9-1-1 immediately. REMINDER: Move snow to the tree lawn, away from hydrants and mailboxes and to the left of your drive as you face your home so that it isn’t plowed back into your driveway! SOURCE: National Safety Council
Less is more! According to the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, a 12 oz. cup can hold enough rock salt to effectively treat a 20-ft. driveway or 10 sidewalk squares. And, it only takes a teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water.
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