Winter in the Northeast can be unpredictable and harsh. To ensure your safety and comfort during the colder months, here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing for weather during the winter season:
Essential Winter Safety Tips
- Dress in Layers: Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
- Protect Your Extremities: Wear a hat, gloves, and scarf to keep your head, hands, and neck warm.
- Stay Dry: Wet clothing can quickly lead to hypothermia.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: If possible, limit your time outdoors during severe winter weather.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Be Aware of Wind Chill: Wind chill can make it feel much colder than the actual temperature.
Preparing Your Home
- Winterize Your Home:
- Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows.
- Have your heating system inspected and serviced.
- Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with essential items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, and a warm blanket.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector: Ensure your detector is working properly.
Snow and Ice Removal
- Shovel Safely:
- Take frequent breaks.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Push snow rather than lifting it.
- Dress warmly.
- Be aware of signs of heart attack or frostbite.
- Salt and Ice Melt:
- Use pet-friendly de-icers.
- Apply de-icer sparingly to prevent damage to surfaces.
- Store de-icer in a secure, dry location.
Local Resources and Regulations
- Snow Removal: Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow and ice within a certain timeframe (usually 24 hours) after a storm. Failure to do so can result in fines.
- Parking Restrictions: During snow emergencies, parking may be restricted on certain streets to allow for snow plowing. Vehicles parked illegally may be towed.
- Vehicle Safety: Vehicles must be cleared of snow and ice before driving. Failure to do so can result in fines.
- Local New York Government Resources:
- New York City Emergency Management
- New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
- Your specific county or city government website.
- Local New Jersey Government Resources:
- New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
- Your specific county or city government website.
Winter Driving Safety
- Winterize Your Vehicle:
- Check tire pressure and tread depth.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Have an emergency kit in your car with items like jumper cables, a shovel, ice scraper, blankets, and non-perishable food.
- Drive Safely:
- Slow down and increase following distance.
- Avoid sudden braking and acceleration.
- Use headlights, even during the day.
- Be aware of black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses.
