Winter Survival Guide 2014

WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE!

To help you get through the ice and snow season.

A publication of the Sullivan County Democrat JANUARY 7, 2014

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WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JANUARY, 2014

Winter safety: A summary guide to tips and advice

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n a press release announcing his activation of the State Emergency Operations Center in the face of last week’s winter storm, Governor Andrew Cuomo offered the following safety tips, particularly with the forecasted sub-zero temperatures:

GENERATOR SAFETY

Electric generators can provide you with piece of mind and convenience when there is a temporary loss of electric service during cold weather.

Be aware that fire hazards are greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating sources often are used without following proper safety precautions.

Follow these safety guidelines when operating a generator: • Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical service. If possible, have your generator installed by a qualified electrician.

• Run generators outside, downwind of structures. Never run a generator indoors. Deadly carbon monoxide gas from the generators exhaust can spread throughout enclosed spaces. Install a carbon monoxide detector.

• Fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable fuel tank remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and

let it cool before refilling.

• Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Most small, homeuse portable generators produce 350 to 12,000 watts of power.

Overloading your generator can damage it and the appliances connected to it, and may cause a fire.

Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

• Keep children away from generators at all times.

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about 1,000 lives each year in the United States. Such common items as automotive exhaust, home heating systems and obstructed chimneys can produce the colorless, odorless gas.

The gas can also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months.

• Never run generators indoors.

Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater.

• Never use charcoal to cook indoors.

• Never use a gas oven to heat your home.

• Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness. If you sus-

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pect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital.

PREVENT WATER PIPES FROM FREEZING

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To prevent frozen water pipes, follow these tips: • Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers – cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.

• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing. Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.

• Teach family members how to shut off water valves.

• Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an

WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

outer wall.

• Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.

IF PIPES FREEZE

• Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow minimizes the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.

• Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.

• Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

When venturing outdoors, wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers.

Trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator.

Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.

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ALTERNATIVE HEATING SAFETY TIPS

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.

• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors – and make sure they work.

If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips: • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Use only the correct fuel for your unit.

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OUTDOOR SAFETY When venturing outdoors, wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.

• Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.

• Always wear a hat or cap on your head – half of the body’s heat can be lost because of an uncovered head.

• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.

• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.

• Cold temperatures put an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, can increase the risk of a heart attack. Stay warm, dress warm and slow when working outdoors. Take frequent rests to avoid over exertion. If you feel chest pain – stop and seek help immediately.

For more information, and a list of essential emergency safety items to keep in your home, visit the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services winter safety page at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/publicsafety/winter.cfm.

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If you lose electrical service during the winter, follow these tips: • First, call your utility to determine area repair schedules.

• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.

• If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

• Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool.

• Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.

• When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

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• Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing.

• Drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).

WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JANUARY, 2014

Snow care for families with active servicemembers

FRANK RIZZO | DEMOCRAT

Winter or summer, David Holt of Hankins will provide free services to area families who have family members deployed in the armed services.

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avid Holt of Hankins has been participating in Project EverGreen’s “SnowCare for Troops” (SCFT) program, now entering its fourth season.

The non-profit organization supports military families year-round by

matching up volunteers offering free services to families who have a spouse or family member deployed in the armed forces.

Holt also takes part in “Green Care for Troops,” which supplies landscape services.

Holt wanted to do something for area military families after the 2007 death, in Iraq, of Anthony Kaiser of Narrowsburg. His wife Kristen (née Kelly) is Anthony’s stepsister.

“We wanted to get involved in a program that was close to home,” said Holt. who added that he wants to push the awareness of the program.

“We’re proud to support the SnowCare for Troops program and to lend a hand to help our nation’s military families who already carry so much on their shoulders,” said Mark Klossner, marketing director for The Boss Snowplow.

Project EverGreen is a national nonprofit organization committed to

FRANK RIZZO | DEMOCRAT

Holt’s truck has a Boss plow. Boss sponsors the “SnowCare for Troops” program.

informing the public about the positive effects of well-maintained green spaces, including lawns and landscapes, sports turf, golf courses, trees and parks.

Its SnowCare for Troops program is modeled after its wildly successful sister program, GreenCare for Troops.

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for Troops, underwritten by Cub Cadet, provides free lawn and landscape services to military families.

Volunteers like Holt do not get contacted directly by military families in need, who must register through Project EverGreen. For more info visit http://projectevergreen.org/ programs.

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WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE

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Safe winter driving tips 13684

• Make sure you have sufficient windshield washer fluid in the reservoir that is rated a minimum of -40°C temperature range. Keep an extra jug in the vehicle.

• Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof of your car before getting on the road.

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Remember, safety comes first. If you or someone in your vehicle is injured, do not get out of the car unless you are in immediate danger. Call the police or 911.

If possible, move the cars off the street and into a safe area. It can be tempting to leave the police out of it if the damage appears to be minor.

However, your insurance company will need the police accident report to file your claim. Your claim can be delayed if you don’t have the report.

While you wait for the authorities to arrive, exchange information with the other driver, such as insurance information, license number, name, address and phone numbers.

If there are witnesses to the accident, get their information with their phone numbers. If possible, write down as many details as you can about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind.

Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to report the accident and have the claim process started. If you have a camera or camera phone, take photos of the damage to all the vehicles involved as soon after the accident as possible. This will come in handy should the other driver try to claim more damage than the accident actually caused.

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T

he Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. (PLANY) reminds motorists that driving carefully in winter weather will help them arrive at their destinations safely, and keep their car insurance rates down too.

“Make sure you have adequate coverage, including personal injury protection,” says PIANY President Alan Plafker, CPIA. “Don’t fall victim to promises of cheap insurance that won’t meet your needs in the event of an accident. Your professional, independent insurance agent can review your policy and offer affordable suggestions that will help you recover your losses and protect your assets in the event of an accident. And, if an accident does occur, having a professional agent on your side will help make the claim process smooth and less stressful.”

Once you are sure you have the right coverage for your unique circumstances, remembering these safety tips can help keep you safe this winter: • Stay alert, slow down, and stay in control – three key elements of safe winter driving.

• Drive according to highway and weather conditions.

• Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

• Make sure your vehicle is mechanically ready for the rigors of winter with a maintenance check.

• Have your tires checked before winter begins. Remember to check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather.

• Keep your fuel tank at least half full.

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WINTER SURVIVAL GUIDE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

When icy equals dicey

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ce creates beautiful scenery – a winter wonderland. But when ice coats roads, sidewalks and power lines it creates a dangerous situation often resulting in downed power lines, car accidents and injuries from slip and falls.

“Of the more than one million injuries in the U.S. caused by falls the most common is the slip and fall,” said Martin B. Tirado, CAE, CEO of

Ice storm survival tips by Snow & Ice Management Association.

the Snow & Ice Management Association. “Slipping and falling on ice accounts for a large number of winter-related injuries and may even change the quality of life for the injured person.”

In addition to injuries, ice storms have residual effects such as loss of power, road closures, fallen trees and impassible sidewalks. Melting and freezing snow also can create (and

recreate) icy conditions long after the initial snowstorm has ended.

SIMA, the North American nonprofit organization representing snow removal professionals, has these tips on surviving a wintery ice storm.

Wear proper footwear. Proper footwear should place the entire foot on the surface of the ground and have visible treads. Avoid a smooth sole and opt for a heavy treaded shoe with a flat bottom.

Anticipate the ice. Be weary of thin sheets of ice that may appear as wet pavement (black ice). Often ice will appear in the morning, in shady spots or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.

Plan ahead. While walking on ice-y sidewalks or in parking lots, walk consciously. Instead of looking down, look up and see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface.

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ensure you are not in the way of vehicles or other hazards. When stepping off a curb, using steps, or getting into a car, be careful since shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall.

Avoid taking shortcuts.

Shortcuts are a good idea if you are in a hurry, but may be a bad idea if there is ice on the ground. A shortcut path, such as walking across a median in a parking lot, may be treacherous because it is likely to be located where snow and ice removal is not possible.

Stay home and be safe. During an ice event, spend some quality time at home. Forget spring – cleaning now is a great time to tackle your basement, your office or a storage closet. Turn off your electronics – yes that includes your phone – and play a board or card game with your family. Take a book from your bookshelf – you know the one that you’ve been meaning to read and read it. Or have your family take turns reading a book out loud, discussing it as you read.

Following these tips will help ensure that you survive an ice season safely. For more, visit SIMA.

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JANUARY, 2014

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Winter driving myths debunked A

s winter weather pummels the northeast, Anant Gandhi, Bridgestone Americas product manager and Mark Cox, director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School are sharing their expertise to help drivers prepare for the conditions ahead by debunking four winter driving myths.

Myth 1: You don’t need winter tires unless it’s snowing.

A snowplow can’t clear the cold.

When it comes to winter tires, temperature matters. “All tire rubber will begin to stiffen as the weather gets colder, but the latest generations of winter tires remain flexible in freezing temperatures, maintaining traction and available grip,” said Anant Gandhi, Bridgestone Americas product manager. “Your tires are the one thing between your car and the pavement.

As temperatures approach freezing, winter tires can provide increased traction, braking and handling.”

Myth 2: If you have all wheel drive, you’re good to go in the snow.

Expert advice from Bridgestone’s winter driving director.

Four-wheel drive gets you going by making the most of tire traction, but it doesn’t improve stopping or cornering. That depends on tire grip. “Lots of people who come out to the Bridgestone Winter Driving School think that four-wheel drive is all powerful in winter conditions,” said Mark Cox, director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. “It doesn’t matter whether you have four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive, when it comes to stopping it’s all about tire grip. That’s when winter tires are especially important. Installing winter tires on all wheel positions will improve surface grip in most winter road conditions.”

Myth 3: If you have all-season tires, you may not need to switch to winter tires.

All-season tires are designed with both winter and summer perform-

ance in mind, but they do not offer maximum performance in either season. Winter tires are designed to remain flexible even at extremely low temperatures.

“An all-season tire and even an M&S (mud and snow) tire do not provide maximum traction in wintery conditions as a true winter tire does,” added Gandhi. “When you equip your vehicle with winter tires you may be better prepared for changing road conditions.”

Myth 4: Under-inflate your tires for better traction.

Never reduce tire pressures in an attempt to increase traction on snow or ice. “Deflating your tires simply doesn’t work in this situation. In fact, you could end up damaging your tires if you drive on them under-inflated,” said Gandhi.

For more information about winter tires, visit www.conquerthecold.com and for additional tips from the Bridgestone Winter Driving School, visit www.winterdrive.com.

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FRED STABBERT III | DEMOCRAT

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