Talking about the weather is a favorite Minnesota past-time. In addition to talking about the weather, now is a good time to prepare for it.
Preparing Your Home
Thoroughly inspect and clean the furnace and venting system. Check the roof for loose or missing shingles. Check chimney for loose bricks and ensure antenna are securely attached. Inspect doors and windows, if necessary, re-caulk and install new weather stripping.
Remove leaves and debris from under porches, wooden stairs and window wells – they can be a fire hazard. Keep walkways free of leaves to avoid slipping. Trim dead and broken limbs from trees, clean out and inspect gutters, and pick up broken glass or other debris.
Power outages can occur during a winter storm. Be prepared by putting fresh batteries in your battery-powered radio and flashlight or lantern.
Preventing Accidents & Injuries
In cold, wet conditions, common dangers include slips and falls, as well as vehicle accidents. Taking simple precautions can prevent accidents and injuries.
Areas that may become slick & require extra caution include stairs, ramps, tile floors, parking lots and metal parts of equipment.
- Have an excellent snow and ice removal system in place.
- Place non-skid floor mats in slippery, high traffic areas.
- Use ice cleats when conditions require them.
- Wear the right shoes. Anti-slip soles are essential.
- Slips can happen when entering and exiting your vehicle, so be cautious.
- Know the weather conditions you will encounter and plan ahead. Inspect your vehicle for proper tires and other winter driving gear.
Remember, ice is twice as slippery at 30 degrees as at 0 degrees.
The changing seasons in the Midwest provides us with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and all its beauty. Planning ahead and taking precautions against winter hardships can help you weather the season in comfort and safety.
