Winter Season Safety Tips

Coming from a tropical country, weather is often not a very exciting topic. It's either rainy day or sunny day; monsoon/wet season or drought season. In Scotland, on the other hand, weather is a big deal especially if it is winter. Winter can be fun (lots of snow and sunny) or downright dangerous (lots of ice and windy) - either way there is plenty to talk about. Most important is to go through the season "scratch free" so here are some of the safety tips I got from a leaflet:

Around the Home

• Exposure to the cold kills an estimated 30,000 people every year in the UK. The elderly are most at risk. Remember to check on your elderly neighbours.
• If your heaters and electric blanket have been stored over the summer, make sure you check the wiring/connections before using for the first time. It is a good idea to get equipment serviced every 2 to 3 years or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Have your fireplace chimney and flue inspected each year and cleaned if needed.

• Use a fireguard and let the fire burn down to ensure no sparks or embers are a hazard before going to bed or leaving the house.
• If using a gas heater have it serviced regularly and, if possible, change the cylinder outside.
• Ensure that you have working carbon monoxide detector located close to any gas heater and test regularly.
• Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn e.g bedding or furniture. Never drape clothing over a heater to dry.
• If using a wood-burning stove make sure the stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and coals.
• When shovelling snow, if possible, push snow in front of you. If you have to lift it, pick up small amounts and lift with your legs, not your back to avoid back injury.
• Use rock salt or de-icing compounds to remove ice from steps and walkways. Sand placed on walkways will also help prevent slipping.

Winter Driving

• Prepare your car for winter: Check engine antifreeze, windscreen de-icer, heater, lights, sufficient tyre tread, windscreen washer fluid and wiper blades.
• Keep emergency gear in your car: Blanket, jumper cables, first aid kit, flashlight, ice scraper, de-icer, warning triangle, bits of old carpet and a shovel in case you get stuck in the snow, and a mobile phone.
• Dazzle from winter sun can be dangerous. Keep a pair of sunglasses handy.
• Maintain a safe distance when travelling behind winter service vehicles and do not attempt to overtake salting, gritting and snow ploughing vehicles.
• Avoid driving in snow or ice storms, but if you must:
• Drive slowly and maintain a safe gap between you and the vehicle in front remembering it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions.
• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.
• On longer journeys let someone know your route, and when you plan to arrive, so they can alert authorities if you don't get there.
• UK Government advices that if you break down or get stuck in snow:
• On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone so the breakdown/emergency services will be able to locate you easily. Put on warm clothing and wait for help well up the verge away from the hard shoulder. Bear in mind 1 in 10 crashes involves a vehicle parked on hard shoulder!
• On any other road, use your mobile phone to call for help and consider whether it is safest to wait in the vehicle or not.
• Winter tyres are mandated in many European countries (including Norway and Germany). Tests have shown that winter tyres help reduce stopping distances on icy and snow covered surfaces, making winter journeys safer for you and other road users.

Winter Walking

• Wear lots of clothing layers to stay warm and some sturdy boots with good tread.
• Winter days are short so take a head torch.
• Plan your route and check the weather forecast.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Don't walk on iced-over lakes or waterways as you could fall through.
• Be aware of frostbite risk where body tissues may freeze when skin is exposed to extreme cold. The most susceptible body parts include nose, ears, cheeks, fingers and toes.
• Be aware of the early symptoms of Hypothermia:
• Bouts of shivering
• Grogginess and muddled thinking
• Take your mobile phone in case you need to call for help.

Skiing or Snowboarding

• Wear a helmet, goggles, winter sports clothes and check your equipment before you begin.
• Pay attention to the risk of avalanches especially when venturing off-piste.
• Ski and board within your means.