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Winter Safety Tips

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Agenda

• Cold Exposure• Walking Safety• Driving Safety• Home Safety• Holiday Safety• Recreational Safety• Snow Removal Safety• Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD)

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Cold Exposure SafetyWear Loose-Fitting and Layered Clothing

Trapped Air InsulatesLayers can be removed to avoid perspiration and chill“Cotton Kills”…Use Polyester or Synthetic MaterialWool will insulate even when wet

Wear Hats, Hoods, and ScarvesOver Half of Heat Loss Comes From Your Head

Mittens are Better than GlovesCover Mouth To Protect Lungs In Extreme Cold Drink Water to Avoid Dehydration

CDC National Center of Environmental Health

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Frostbite

Danger: Skin Cold Enough To FreezeSigns and Symptoms:

Loss of FeelingIn Fingers, Toes, Ear Lobes, Nose

White/Pale Skin

Treatment:Cover affected areas and gently soak in warm waterWhen part warm and red, cover with dry, sterile dressingCotton or gauze between fingers and toes

CDC National Center of Environmental Health

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Hypothermia

Danger: Low Body TemperatureSigns and Symptoms:

Shivering Disorientation Drowsiness Glassy Stare Slow Irregular Pulse

Treatment:Re-Warm Body with Dry Clothing & BlanketsMove to Warm EnvironmentIf Alert Give Warm Liquids to DrinkAvoid re-warming quickly in water : may cause dangerous heart rhythms

CDC National Center of Environmental Health

6CDC National Center of Environmental Health

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Walking Safety

Dress Warm

Use Good Boots with Non-Skid Soles

Wear Bright and Reflective Clothing

Carry a Flashlight After Dark

Watch Hats and Scarves that Block Vision

Use Sidewalks When Possible

Walk Against the Flow of Traffic

Center for Disease Control

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Driving Safety

Avoid Traveling in Snow and Icy ConditionsTake a Defensive Driving ClassAllow Extra Travel Time Decrease Speed

Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide DangersRemove Packed Snow Around Exhaust Pipe Don’t Sit in Parked Car With Engine Running

If Stranded Use Blankets Open Window Slightly Run Heater A Few Minutes Every Hour To Keep Warm

CDC National Center of Environmental Health

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Driving SafetyHave Your Car Winter Ready

Check Condition of: Tires Battery Fluid Levels

Keep an Emergency Kitcell phone flashlight blankets sand & shovel flares & reflectors extra clothing food & waterfirst aid kit

CDC National Center of Environmental Health

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Home Safety

Inspect Furnace Fireplace Chimneys Space Heaters

Replace Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector BatteriesWatch Children and Pets Around Heat SourcesNever Heat Home With Range or OvenIf gas heat, make sure vents are not blockedKeep a Working Fire Extinguisher HandyPost Emergency Phone Numbers Near TelephoneUse Humidifiers to Improve Air Quality

Center for Disease Control

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Holiday Safety

Watch Gifts with Small Parts for ChildrenAvoid Overloading Circuits with Decorative LightsUse only UL approved lightsUse non-combustible or flame-resistant tree trimKeep tree away from heat sourcesChoose tinsel made of plastic or non-leaded materialsPractice Safe Fire Prevention in the Home

Keep Christmas Trees Well-HydratedUse Care when Burning CandlesUnplug Tree Lights when Away from Home

National Safety Council

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Snow Removal Safety

Avoid Shoveling If Out of ShapeKnow Your Lift Limits

Avoid Twisting & Bending

Push Instead of Lift When Possible & Use Your Legs

Perform Warm-up Exercises and Take Rest Breaks

Help Prevent Slips and FallsUse Rock Salt, Sand or De-Icing Compounds

Be Careful Operating Snow blowersNever Clear Exhaust Chute When Running

Watch Loose Clothing Like Scarves and Jacket Sleeves

Be Aware of Projectiles National Safety Council

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Recreation Safety

Wear Personal Protective EquipmentUse Helmets and Eye or Face Protection for Hockey, Snowmobiling, Skiing & Snowboarding

Ride Safely When SnowmobilingWatch Excessive Speeds

Obey Trail Regulations

Ride With a Buddy

Remember Wind-chill and Frostbite Dangers

Ride Sober

Carry Repair and Emergency Kits Avoid Thin Ice & Open Water

National Safety Council

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“Don’t Worry…Be Happy”(or at least don’t be SAD)

Beat Seasonal Affect Disorder!

• Get Fresh Air and Sunshine• Stay Active – Exercise• Spend Quality Time with Family & Friends• Help Others through Volunteer & Community Service• Eat Well and Avoid Excessive Drinking• Attend a Laughter Workshop!

Mayo Clinic

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Questions….