12-25-2004, 04:31 AM
STAYING SAFE THIS WINTER![[Image: spacer.gif]](http://www.kentucky.com/images/common/spacer.gif)
Driving tips
• Ask a mechanic to check the following: battery, antifreeze, lights, brakes, exhaust system, ignition, hazard lights, thermostat, heater, defroster, oil level, wipers, windshield washer fluid and tires.
• Always keep a least half a tank of gas.
• Keep a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk in case you need traction in an icy area.
• Only travel if necessary. But if you must drive, let someone know what roads you will take.
• Assemble a disaster supply kit to keep in your car with: a first-aid kit, portable radio, shovel and ice scraper, flashlight and extra batteries, blankets and warm clothing, flares, matches, bottled water and non-perishable food.
• Always wear a seat belt, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
If you get stuck
• Stay with your vehicle and do not walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna so rescuers can find you.
• Start the car and let the heater run 10 minutes each hour. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear so fumes will not seep into the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running.
• Keep moving your arms and legs to stay warm and allow blood to circulate.
• If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
• Use newspapers, maps and removable car mats for insulation.
Keeping pets warm
• Outdoor dogs need a dry, elevated dog house with clean bedding and a flap in the opening to block the wind. Placing cedar chips or straw on the ground can provide added warmth. The dog house should be big enough for the dog to turn around, but small enough enough for it to retain body heat.
• Cats may crawl under your car to stay warm, so slap the hood or open it so you do not harm a cat when you start the engine.
• Chemicals used to melt snow on sidewalks can irritate paws, so you might have to clean them with a cloth.
Driving tips
• Ask a mechanic to check the following: battery, antifreeze, lights, brakes, exhaust system, ignition, hazard lights, thermostat, heater, defroster, oil level, wipers, windshield washer fluid and tires.
• Always keep a least half a tank of gas.
• Keep a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk in case you need traction in an icy area.
• Only travel if necessary. But if you must drive, let someone know what roads you will take.
• Assemble a disaster supply kit to keep in your car with: a first-aid kit, portable radio, shovel and ice scraper, flashlight and extra batteries, blankets and warm clothing, flares, matches, bottled water and non-perishable food.
• Always wear a seat belt, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
If you get stuck
• Stay with your vehicle and do not walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna so rescuers can find you.
• Start the car and let the heater run 10 minutes each hour. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear so fumes will not seep into the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running.
• Keep moving your arms and legs to stay warm and allow blood to circulate.
• If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
• Use newspapers, maps and removable car mats for insulation.
Keeping pets warm
• Outdoor dogs need a dry, elevated dog house with clean bedding and a flap in the opening to block the wind. Placing cedar chips or straw on the ground can provide added warmth. The dog house should be big enough for the dog to turn around, but small enough enough for it to retain body heat.
• Cats may crawl under your car to stay warm, so slap the hood or open it so you do not harm a cat when you start the engine.
• Chemicals used to melt snow on sidewalks can irritate paws, so you might have to clean them with a cloth.