WINTER HAZARD AWARENESS WEEK 2012

The week of November 5th through November 9th, 2012 is designated as Minnesota Winter Hazard Awareness Week, promoted by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Beltrami County Emergency Management is participating in this year’s awareness week and would like to remind our citizens of the hazards the winter season brings and precautions they can take to safely make it through this winter season. Each day of the week has a hazard topic; additional information can be found at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/

Monday, November 5th: Winter Weather Overview. Minnesota is known for its cold and snow, and the National Weather Service is kept busy each season issuing winter weather forecasts, watches, and warnings. Similar to severe weather watches and warnings, watches indicate it could happen and warnings mean it is happening or likely to happen. Winter storms can last for days and affect many states with a wide variety of winter weather elements including snow, ice, wind, and extremely cold temperatures. Monitor weather information from National Weather Service at http://www.weather.gov

Tuesday, November 6th: Outdoor Winter Safety. Whether you enjoy winter by participating in activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, or you despise it by shoveling the snow off the sidewalk, you should take care of your body by dressing appropriately and don’t overdo it. When shoveling snow, remember to lift with your knees, not your back. Cold weather without exertion puts extra strain on the heart. Wear warm loose fitting clothing in multiple layers and a hat. Greater than half of your body heat is lost through the top of the head. Never walk on thin ice, four inches of new clear ice is recommended to walk on, and a minimum of 8-12 inches is recommended for small vehicles.

Wednesday, November 7th: Winter Fire Safety. Second only to cooking fires, open flames and heating fires are the leading cause of residential fires. Most heating fires in Minnesota involve fireplaces or chimneys, make sure to properly clean and service your heating source. Install smoke detectors in your home, many home fire deaths occur in residences without working smoke detectors. Keep your neighborhood fire hydrants clear of snow, so in the event of a fire the fire department has quick access to water. Don’t overload your electrical outlets with too many holiday lights, and if you use a live tree water it daily and keep away from heat and possible fire sources.

Thursday, November 8th: Indoor Air Issues. There are a number of indoor air concerns during the winter when homes are insulated and sealed up to keep the cold out and the warmth in. Carbon Monoxide is a gas that is released when natural gas, oil, wood and other fuels don’t have enough oxygen to burn properly. Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer and hard to detect as it is odorless, doesn’t have a taste and you can’t see it. Mold and Radon are other airborne toxics to be concerned about during the winter, and the Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing your home.

Friday, November 9th: Automobile Safety and Winter Driving. Last year in Minnesota there were 72 accidents involving snowplows. Snowplows can weigh seventeen times more than the average car. Remember to “stay back and stay alive” and allow these trucks enough room to safely clear the roads. Travel with a winter survival kit and a charged cell phone. Share your travel plans and route. If you become snowbound stay with your vehicle and make sure the exhaust remains clear. Don’t drive faster than conditions warrant, and perform maintenance on your vehicle for winter operation.

Christopher Muller, Emergency Management Assistant Director

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office

chris.muller@co.beltrami.mn.us