By Emil Joensson, American Red Cross Public Affairs
Winter can be both beautiful and dangerous. The American Red Cross of Colorado & Wyoming is committed to helping people stay safe during winter. We have contacted our local fire departments for tips to help you and your family stay safe and healthy this winter.
First and foremost, stay warm. When the temperatures drop, it is easy to get cold. Freezing can lead to serious health problems like hypothermia and frostbite. Another vital winter safety tip is to prepare for power outages. Winter storms can cause power outages, one of the main concerns of Dale Izatt, Fire Warden at Campbell County Fire Department. Being without power can be dangerous, “as this affects anyone who depends solely on electricity for heat and daily living.” To prepare for a power outage, have a backup generator or a supply of batteries on hand. It is also a good idea to have flashlights and extra blankets available.
Space heaters and fireplaces are also a great way to stay warm, but they can be a fire hazard if not used properly. Overall, home fires account for most of the 60,000-plus disasters that the Red Cross responds to each year across the U.S. Home fire responses are 23% higher during cold months than warmer times of the year. Fire Warden Izatt elaborates on the risks of home fires in the winter. “Cooking fires remain a large portion of structure fires. There also are issues with uninspected fireplaces, chimneys, etc. during the winter months. Also, we see an uptick in issues with the thawing of water pipes with propane torches, or similar heating sources, that come into contact with wood and insulation underneath homes.”
There are though steps you can take to limit these risks and ensure a mindful winter. It is important to be “aware of your actions and remain vigilant in keeping yourselves, housemates and home safe during the winter.” For instance, “use caution with candles, extension cords, portable heaters, permanent heaters, and stoves. Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your residents and home fire extinguishers and know how to use them properly. If you have concerns, call your local fire department for advice and assistance,” Izatt says. Home fires are one of the main concerns also for the Red Cross. Last year alone, volunteers responded to about 600 home fires and assisted over 2000 people in Colorado and Wyoming.
It’s not just home fires that increase during winter but also accidents on the road. “The police department is responsible for responding to traffic crashes when the roads are icy and dangerous,” says Rachel Haslett, Public Information Officer with the Broomfield Police Department. “Patrol officers also assist in helping stranded drivers who get their vehicles stuck in the snow. They will close roads if they become too dangerous to travel. During a blizzard or a severe cold spell, the police department will assist with the city’s Emergency Operations Center.”
The number of accidents on the road increases as the temperature drops. Taking adequate precautions becomes even more necessary. According to Izatt, the Fire Department at Campbell County stays alert to the expectations of incidents with strict planning. “First responders plan for and prepare for winter conditions and make preparations in advance to ensure the ability to respond, i.e snowmobiles, working with plow drivers, etc.”
The Broomfield Police Department has another approach while taking precautions aligned with the forecast. If the burden is excessive, the officers go on “Accident Alert.” The BPD also has a “separate Traffic Unit which can assist in responding to accidents Monday-Friday,” says Haslett.
Driving in winter conditions should not be taken lightly. Izatt says it is essential to “be prepared for slick and adverse driving conditions, prepares a winter survival kit, and check weather and travel information sites.” Also, “double or triple your stopping distances and drive according to conditions.” While measures to safeguard your car and decrease the risks of incidents can feel overwhelming, it is crucial during the treacherous winter weather. On the Red Cross website, you can learn how to Red Cross Ready.
The best safety tip though, is to stay off the streets altogether. “If the conditions are treacherous, the police department encourages residents to stay home and off the roads. If residents must travel, we encourage them to carry a 72-hour safety kit in their vehicles that includes an ice scraper, flares, flashlight, blankets, food, water, road salt, and shovel,” says Haslett.
Izatt says drivers themselves can help themselves and others on the road during winter weather conditions. He emphasizes how drivers can make their work more manageable if they watch for and give room to emergency vehicles. But remember, “there will be vehicles behind you, do not stop abruptly, and if needed pull as far off the roadway as possible. Vehicles stuck in the roadway are a major issue for emergency responders.”
With winter in full swing, following these safety tips from our local fire departments can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy this winter. Stay warm, be Red Cross Ready and you will be able to enjoy the winter season to the fullest.