Holiday safety starts with taking care of each other

I wanted to start this weeks article hoping that everyone was able to enjoy a great start to the holiday season. Please remember those who are deployed away from home in our military and others who live in other parts of the U.S. and the world.

We also need to keep in mind those who have lost loved ones during this past year, as they are going through the grieving process.

If you are in a tough situation, there is help available. You can call the statewide Help Line of 211 to see what assistance they can help with, and if you are feeling hopeless, please call 988. This is a lifeline for those in crisis, but its also much more. 988 connects you directly to local, trained counselors who can assess your situation and provide you help. Its free, confidential and available 24/7.

Fall and winter seasons have less daylight, and many people experience the winter blues, some people may have a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder. January and February are often the most difficult months.

These activities can make you feel better:

• Doing something you enjoy
• Going outside in the sunlight
• Spending time with family and friends
• Eating healthy and avoiding foods with lots of sugar

If these activities do not help or your symptoms are getting worse, talk to a health care provider.

Now shifting to the weather and looking at the calendar, you may be wondering, “Why should I be winter ready?”

• Sixty-three percent of temperature-related deaths are attributable to cold exposure.
• Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, and winter is when most home fires happen.
• Travel during the winter has unique risks, especially if you travel by car.

Preventing house fires

Although trending downward since the early 1980s, heating fires remained the second leading cause of home fires in 2021. An estimated 32,200 home heating fires were reported to fire departments within the U.S. These fires caused an estimated 190 deaths, 625 injuries and $442 million in property loss.

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters or candles.
• Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet, and make sure its cord isnt damaged or frayed.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
• You can visit the U.S. Fire Administration Home Fires page to learn about how to prepare for and prevent home fires including tips for individuals with disabilities and older adults.

Prepare for power outages

Winter storms may bring power outages that can disrupt things like communications, utilities, transportation, stores, gas stations and ATMs, and prevent your ability to use electrically powered medical devices. Its important to be prepared for power outages.

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
• If you use a generator, only use it outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Go to a community location with power if cold is extreme and you cant heat your home.
• Some people may have generators that they rely on during outages. Learn how to use your generator safely.

Winter travel

Travel during the winter has unique risks, especially if you travel by car. Being prepared can help you expect the unexpected so your trip isnt ruined by common problems travelers face in the winter.

• From blizzards, to avalanches, to ice storms, be aware of the winter risks in places you visit. Check the local weather forecasts and warnings before heading out. Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date forecasts and download the FEMA App for alerts in up to five locations.
• Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out.
• If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you do have to go out, make sure you are prepared in case you become delayed while traveling.
• Tell others your route and anticipated arrival time.

On the road

• Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition before you travel.
• Keep your gas tank as full as you can. A full tank will also keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Install good winter tires and make sure they have enough tread, or any chains or studs required in your local area.
• When driving, increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds. It takes longer to slow down and stop on icy roads.
• Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked every six months and expired items should be replaced regularly.
• Keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company in your phone.
• Consider keeping a power bank for your phone in your car in case your car loses power.
• If stranded, run the engine for about 10 minutes per hour to run the heater and charge your cellphone. Make sure that your exhaust pipe is clear of snow. Open a window slightly to let fresh air in and avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Happy New Year to you and yours.

This is my last article for 2024, and I hope that your 2025 is a prosperous one.

Please enjoy the New Year celebration and remember that if you drink you dont drive and if you drive you dont drink. Call for a ride the life you save may be yours or someone you know.

As always, keep an eye on the sky.