The winter can create weather conditions that may be too much for our vehicles to handle at times. Keeping at least a half tank of gas allows your car to remain running and warm, in case of an emergency.
Covering exposed skin during extreme cold weather conditions, prevents you from experiencing frostbite or hypothermia. During the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning, try to avoid being outside.
If you have to be out while it’s extremely cold, you want to make sure that you are layered appropriately. You need to have at least three layers on the top half of your body, two layers on the bottom half of your body, a hat, face mask and gloves.
In case you’re stranded, you want to make sure that your car is equipped with a Safety Car Kit.
This kit should consist of:
- blanket
- jumper cables
- flashlights
- first aid kit
- phone charger
- food
- water
- shovel
- cat litter/salt
- ice scraper
- pliers
- wrench
- change of clothes
These are all items that can be found at your local hardware store or home improvement center.
Keeping your pet safe during the winter months is very important. Pets burn more energy during the winter to stay warm so, you want to make sure that you are feeding your pets a little more than usual. Making sure they have plenty of water, keeps them well-hydrated and prevents dry, flaking skin.
Be sure to bring a clean towel on that morning walk to remove snow, ice, salt or any other chemicals that your furry friend may track through. Doing so keeps your pet from developing chapped and irritated paws. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), massaging petroleum jelly into the paw pads before taking your pet out can also help prevent salt and debris from getting lodged between their toes.
It’s very common for pet owners to bathe pets once or twice a week but during the winter you want to bathe your pet as little as possible. Washing your pet to often can remove the essential oils your pets’ skin needs to remain moist against that dry and brittle weather.
Applying these simple tips and tricks could help you and your family,stay safe and warm this winter.
In addition, checking the weather forecast should become part of your regular routine. To check weather on the go, wherever you are, or to check the 10 Day forecast, WDIV's Local 4Casters app can make it easy.
You can download it for free by visiting your app store and searching "WDIV" or "Weather." This simple step allows you to make the necessary adjustments for your commute to work, home or school.
And to check the weather forecast where you live, 4Zone Weather can help. Find your zone here.