PIC Wants You and Your Families to Be Safe this Fall & Winter

Fall officially started on September 22, which means that the cold winter months are right around the corner. This year winter solstice will begin on December 21^st  and with that in mind, we should start thinking about winter safety now.

As the cold weather approaches the portable heaters come out, furnaces turn on, and logs go into fireplaces. Anything that can burn should be kept at least 3 feet away from all heat sources. This includes fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters and candles.

Other heating safety tips to keep in mind are:

• Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected by a professional every year.

During the winter months we will all need to venture out and drive in the snow and ice. In Pennsylvania we do not traditionally have the blizzards and avalanches that are more predominate in the northwestern states, but a small amount of ice or snow can be just as dangerous while driving. A few tips for safely navigating the winter roads are:

• Check the local weather before heading out.
• If the roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until roads are cleared.
• Have good all-season tires or winter tires installed before the first snow fall. (If you wait until you see the first snowflake, you will have a long wait at the garage with the rest of the last-minute customers)
• When driving in the snow remember to increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. Typically, the distance while driving in the winter should be about 5 to 6 seconds between cars.
• Keep your gas tank as full as possible, this keeps the fuel lines from freezing.
• Every car should have an emergency supply kit. This may include extra gloves, extra jacket, blanket, jumper cables and reflective warning triangles.

Be mindful that during the winter months some of our elderly or handicapped neighbors and family cannot leave their homes during inclement weather. They also should not be outside shoveling snow or exposed to the elements.  If you are able, plan to help before you are asked. Although they are the most in need, they are the least likely to ask for help. This is a great opportunity to get kids out of the house and learn to help others that are in need. Also, ask if they need anything from the store and offer to pick up something for them while you are out and about.

The small things that take just a fraction of your day, can mean the world to someone in need.