Five Essential Winter Safety Tips to Protect You and Your Family 

  1. Candle Safety

There’s nothing like the enticing scent of a candle. Or perhaps their soft glow is part of your holiday celebration. Just don’t forget that candles are still an open flame and fire hazard, so they need to be carefully monitored.  

December is the peak month for candle fires, with nearly one-third of candles left unattended, according to the American Red Cross. Protect yourself and your loved ones by following these safety tips: 

• Never leave a candle burning unattended. 
• Make sure candles are fully extinguished before leaving the room.  
• Place candles on a sturdy, uncluttered surface away from flammable materials. 
• Always trim the wick to one-quarter of an inch before burning. 
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.  
• Consider using battery-operated candles. 

  2.Carbon Monoxide Safety

If you utilize fuel-burning space heaters or gas stoves and ranges during the winter months, be aware of the “silent killer” carbon monoxide (CO).  

This colorless, odorless and tasteless gas causes more than 100,000 people to visit the emergency room (ER) each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

Be aware of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, including: 

• Mild to severe headache 
• Upset stomach, nausea or vomiting 
• Dizziness and weakness 
• Chest pain 
• Mental confusion 
• Impaired motor skills  

If you recognize any of these warning signs affecting you or others, move to fresh air immediately. Then call 911 or your local emergency services. 

Taking preventive measures, like installing a battery-operated CO detector in your home, can save lives. The CDC advises replacing your CO detector according to the manufacturer’s instructions or every five years.  

  3. Winter Road Safety

Snowy scenery might look like a winter wonderland, but these kinds of weather conditions make driving hazardous. 

A 2024 report from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reveals that 24% of weather-related crashes occur on snowy, slushy or ice-covered pavement.  

Preparing your vehicle for winter is an important way to stay safe: 

• Check your tires. Air pressure drops when the temperature outside does. Ensure each tire has enough tread and take your vehicle to a tire service professional if you notice signs of damage.  
• Fill up on gas. Keeping your gas tank at least half full keeps your fuel line from freezing, which would prevent your car from starting.  
• Inspect windshield wipers. Ensure windshield washer fluid levels are topped off, ideally with a formula designed for wintery conditions. Examine for signs of wear or damage and replace if necessary. 
• Assess your car battery. Cold temperatures reduce battery power and require more energy to start your car. Have a mechanic check your battery health for corrosion and to also ensure it holds a proper charge. 

Another way to prepare your car is equipping it with an emergency kit with items recommended by Ready.gov, a national public service campaign by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

When driving, accelerate and decelerate slowly to account for lower traction on snow or ice, and don’t stop when driving uphill. 

Always check your local weather before heading out and stay up to date on forecasts and weather alerts. If conditions are bad, only go out if absolutely necessary.  

  4. Outdoor Safety

Snowfall brings magical activities like building a snowman, sledding and ice-skating. But playing outside in the cold can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. 

Dress appropriately if you plan to be outside for long periods of time. The CDC recommends bundling up in several layers of loose-fitting clothing, gloves, hats and scarves can help prevent serious health injuries like hypothermia and frostbite. 

Both of these life-threatening conditions are caused by overexposure to extreme cold with varying symptoms:  

• Hypothermia: Occurs when body temperature is dangerously low, below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion and memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness or fumbling hands. 
• Frostbite: Occurs when overexposure causes damage to skin and tissue, usually the nose, ears, fingers and toes. Symptoms of skin damage include redness or pain, white or grayish-yellow coloring, unusually firm or waxy texture, or numbness. 

If someone is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite, seek medical attention immediately. 

Move the person into a warm place, remove any wet clothing and warm them under dry blankets or clothes. For frostbite, put any affected areas in warm – not hot – water. 

  5. Snow Shoveling Safety  

A big, winter storm hits and now you need to clear snow from your property, whether it’s a driveway, walkway or just your front steps. 

Shoveling snow isn’t just a tedious task, it's also strenuous. The combination of cold temperatures and exertion from muscle movement can trigger health events like a heart attack, which is why the CDC classifies it as cardiovascular exercise. 

You can also strain or injure your back and shoulders, exacerbating conditions like arthritis and adding stress to injuries like a worn rotator cuff.  

The CDC recommends using proper technique to avoid a trip to the ER when shoveling: 

• Bend at your knees. 
• Hold the shovel closer to the blade, keeping it as close to your body as possible. 
• Push up with your legs, not upper body or back, to reduce strain. 
• Do not twist your body. 
• Push snow rather than lifting and throwing heavy shovelfuls. 

Above all else, listen to your body!