Cancer Control Newsletter - April 3 Draft
Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission WINTER SAFETY
As much as we’d like to deny it, we just cannot – winter is coming in quickly, and it is time to begin thinking about safety and preparedness for that frigid air. Here are a few important reminders from the Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission to help keep you, your family and your home safe in the coming months. A general emergency preparedness list is available here. Lists more specific to winter safety are found below.
Carbon Monoxide Precautions
Carbon monoxide (CO) is commonly known as “the silent killer.” Because it is colorless odorless, and tasteless, none of your senses can detect it. CO claims the lives of nearly 300 people in their homes each year according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CO is a potentially deadly gas that is produced by fuel-burning heating equipment, such as furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, and kerosene heaters. Follow these guidelines to help keep your family
safer:
- Install at least one CO alarm near sleeping areas
- Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your home’s central heating system and repair leaks or other problems; fireplaces and woodstoves should also be inspected each year and cleaned or repaired as need
- Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced
- Never use an oven or range to heat your home; Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage
- Portable electric generators must be used outside only. Never use them indoors, in a garage or in any confined area that can allow CO to collect. Follow usage directions closely
Snow / Ice Storm Preparations
While weather reports often foreworn of storms coming in, why should you have to panic and rush out to by all the needed supplies? Here's a short overview of some of the basics you may want to have 'in-house' before bad weather reports come in.
- Stock up on batteries, flashlights, portable radios, canned foods, manual can openers, bottled water and blankets. Be sure first aid kit is fully stocked, and purchase salt now for icy sidewalks.
- Be sure to keep ample supplies of needed daily medications on hand, in the event of being ‘snowed in’
- ‘Winterize’ your car and be sure to have jumper cables, ice scraper, flashlight, small shovel and bag of salt, blanket, cell-phone charger and non-perishable snacks. Keep car fully fueled. Here is an excellent resource from the National Highway Traffic Safety Division specific to winter driving preparations.
- A more detailed supply and preparation list from the CDC can be found here
Braving the Cold Air
- Always be sure to dress warmly and in water-proof layers
- Wear mittens rather than gloves when possible, and always wear a hat; 30 – 50% of our body heat is lost through our heads
- Shoveling snow takes far more energy than we often realize. Warm up and stretch your muscles before shoveling and take breaks often
- Use extra caution when walking on slippery sidewalks! Here are some very useful suggestions from our neighbors in Canada. See more walking safety tips below.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they increase the body’s heat loss
- Keep thermostats set to at least 65 degrees to prevent hypothermia. Watch for signs of hypothermia, including uncontrolled shivering, slowed speech and sleepiness. And remember that seniors are particularly at risk, so check on your neighbors often during particularly cold spells.
- Children also require special consideration in wintery weather. Click here for important reminders for families with young children!
- Keep home thermostats set to at least 65 degrees even when not at home also helps to keep pipes from freezing.
More Tips for Safe Winter Walking 
Remember! Walking in snow is NOT AS EASY for we humans as some animals make it look! The same snow and ice that creates a winter wonderland can turn familiar territory into a hazardous landscape for pedestrians and motorists. Before you take a step onto that slippery sidewalk, consider these safety tips. Apply these valuable suggestions from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- If the sidewalks and walkways are impassable and you have to walk in the street, walk against traffic and as close to the curb as you can.
- Proper gear is a must, but wearing dark "winter" colors can make it difficult for motorists to see you. Wear a brightly-colored scarf or hat or reflective gear, especially if you have to walk in the street. Don’t forget gloves and footgear with non-slip soles.
- Snow that has accumulated into drifts can muffle the sounds of approaching motor vehicles. Hats and scarves that cover your ears can muffle or even block these sounds. Keep warm, but dress so that you can hear what’s going on around you.
- If you can, shop before the storm hits. If you must shop, don’t buy more than you can easily carry. Remember - the sidewalks and streets are slippery and carrying heavy packages can impair your balance.
- When traveling with babies or small children, make sure they are dressed in brightly-colored or reflective clothing.
- If you have to push a stroller or walk in the street, the child should be in front of you and as close to the curb as possible.
- Snow and ice may keep motorists from stopping at traffic signals or slowing down for pedestrians. Before you step off of the curb into the street, make sure that any approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop.
- Bending your knees a little and taking slower steps can greatly reduce your chances of falling.
FLU SEASON is nearly here -- and we must all do our part to reduce the risk of getting – or spreading --
colds and flu. Remember these good health habits to help keep us all healthy!
- AVOID CLOSE CONTACT with people who are sick. And be sure to keep your distance from others when you are sick.
- STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK whenever possible, to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
- COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue and discard it, or the inside of your elbow!
- WASH YOUR HANDS often with soap and warm water to remove germs; use a hand sanitizer until soap and water is available. Follow these simple steps to proper handwashing!
- AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH as these are ‘easy entry points’ for germs
- PRACTICE THER GOOD HEALTH HABITS like getting plenty of rest, eat nutritious foods, be physically active and manage your stress.
