Winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare your home and ve – hicles. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check on older adults.

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us may not be ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you are more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Prepare Your Home

Staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps [PDF – 344 KB to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

Winterize your home.

Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.

Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks. Check your heating systems. Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the out side.

Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.

Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels avail able.

If you do not have working smoke detectors, install one inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Test batteries monthly and re –

place them twice a year.

Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning emergencies.

Install a battery-operated or battery backup CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.

Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Take Precautions Outdoors

Outdoor activities can expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare for them: Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.

Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches. Learn safety precautions to follow when outdoors. Work slowly when doing outside chores. Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation.

Carry a cell phone.

–more winter safety tips at www.cdc.gov