NORTH GEORGIA HEALTH DISTRICT

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    NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Are You Prepared for Winter Weather?

Category: Media Releases

 It's Time for Winter Weather Preparedness

Winter WX Prep Wk web 

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Even here in North Georgia, winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. It's time for Winter Weather Preparedness in Georgia. Get prepared right away!

What you should know about Winter Weather

  • Know what to do before, during, and after a winter storm.
  • Listen to local officials.
  • Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car.
  • Stay off the road during and after a winter storm.
  • Have a carbon monoxide alarm in place, especially if using alternative heating devices.
  • Use safe heating devices.

General

Outdoors & Traveling

  • Cold can kill. Dress in layers, cover skin and limit time outside. www.ready.gov/winter #WinterSafety
  • Shoveling snow can be a health risk, so remember to take it easy. Learn more at http://weather.gov/winter #WinterSafety
  • Stay off icy roads when #WinterStorm advisories & watches are issued. #WinterSafety
  • #‎WinterWeather travel tip: follow directions from local officials & build an emergency car kit.  More tips www.ready.gov/winter
  • Stay off roads during & after a #WinterStorm. If you must drive "Don't Crowd the Plow!" #WinterSafety
  • Hitting the road this winter? An emergency kit for your car might come in handy when you least expect it! #WinterSafety
  • Prepare your car for winter: keep your gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. #WinterSafety
  • Ice and snow, take it slow—slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking. #WinterSafety
  • #SnowStorm tip: clear snow & ice off of fire hydrants so fire departments can gain access.
  • Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than one bulky sweater. #WinterSafety 
  • When it's freezing limit time outside and check on your neighbors! #WinterSafety
  • Freezing temperatures increase #frostbite risk. Learn the warning signs of frostbite: www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter #WinterSafety
  • Many people die each year from heart attacks brought on by shoveling snow. Pace yourself & get your neighbors involved. #WinterSafety
  • Do your part to keep everyone safe on the roads this winter. Learn more at http://weather.gov/winter  #WinterSafety

Pets

  • #WinterSafety Tip: Bring your furry friends inside when temperatures take a dip! More pet prep tips: www.ready.gov/pets 
  • Tip: Wipe dog’s paws after each trip outside. Ice-melting chemicals or rock salt can cause irritation, sickness or be fatal #WinterSafety
  • #WinterSafety Tip: Bring your furry friends inside when temperatures take a dip! More pet prep tips: www.ready.gov/pets
  • Your pet may think antifreeze is sweet, but it can be deadly. Find out more: www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/antifreeze.html #WinterSafety

Heating Safety

  • Space heaters cause 1/3 of home heating fires and 4/5 home heating fires deaths. Protect your family with tips from USFA http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/heating #WinterSafety
  • Heating is the 2nd leading cause of home fires after cooking. Get #WinterSafety tips from USFA www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/heating.html
  • Shivering, memory loss, and slurred speech signs of hypothermia. Learn the other signs here: www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.html #WinterSafety
  • Staying warm with a space heater? Make sure it has an auto shut-off in case it tips over. Check a family/friends today #
  • Winter fires can be deadly. When using your fireplace always keep a metal or heat tempered screen around it to stay safe. #WinterSafety
  • Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. #WinterSafety
  • Watch this short video from @usfa to learn how to prevent portable heater fires in your home this #Winter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AMQ1ASnmNU
  • If you’re running a portable generator, you need to have a working Carbon Monoxide alarm in your home. #WinterSafety
  • #WinterSafety Tip: NEVER use a generator, camp stove, charcoal grill, gasoline or propane heater indoors.
  • NEVER heat a home by using the stovetop or oven. #WinterSafety
  • Keep generators outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents to avoid accidental CO poisoning. #WinterSafety
  • Wear layered clothing and use blankets to stay warm during a #WinterStorm. #WinterSafety
  • Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths in the U.S. How to keep safe: www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/heating #WinterSafety

Power Outage Safety

Emergency Kit

  • Include enough food, water, meds & anything used daily in your emergency kit to last for at least 72 hrs #WinterSafety
  • Before a #WinterStorm: Have emergency supplies ready in your home; when the storm hits, stay put and off the roads. #WinterSafety
  • #Winter is just around the corner. Get prepared by updating your emergency kit: www.ready.gov/kit #WinterSafety 
  • Get ahead of #Winter storms by making sure your emergency kit for your car is fully stocked: www.ready.gov/car #WinterSafety
  • Keep water, non-perishable food, and an extra set of warm clothes in the car in case you get stranded during winter weather. #WinterSafety
  • Prepare for #winter by keeping an emergency supply kit in your car with these extras:
    • Jumper cables
    • Flares or reflective triangle
    • Ice scraper
    • Car cell phone charger
    • Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
    • More: www.ready.gov/car #WinterSafety

 

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