Wisconsin winters can almost be regarded as a state treasure. There is something about it that only Wisconsin residents understand, and whether that is good or bad there is no doubt that winter will always be a yearly staple for Wisconsin residents. This is why winter safety tips are so important. Winter doesn’t only mean a change in weather and the increased sighting of heavy coats, mittens, and hot chocolate. It also means extreme changes in driving conditions and basic living conditions. The drastic change in temperature affects a great many things.
For instance, one of the past blizzards Wisconsin experienced was reported to have claimed 27 lives. Winter storm Jonas was one of the hardest blizzards to hit Wisconsin, and every year since then Winter has always brought something a bit unpredictable. However, though winter conditions may be somewhat unpredictable year-to-year, the one thing we can always count on is that winter will eventually arrive. Since this is an eventuality that we can always be sure of, we can take steps to ensure that we are adequately prepared for winter once it arrives.
Handy Winter Safety Tips For This Winter Season
The winter season impacts your daily activities in unique ways, especially here in Wisconsin. Some people think that winter safety only pertains to keeping yourself warm and covering your ears with earmuffs. However, winter safety also extends to keeping your car safe on winter roads, preventing winter slip and falls, and also minimizing your exposure to hazardous conditions. Below, we will dive into some winter safety tips that address each of the elements you will need to guard against during frosty Wisconsin winters. Here are some of the things you can do:
Tips For Your Home
One of the best ways to keep your home safe during the winter is to prepare before winter even comes. As the saying goes, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Do some basic maintenance checks in your home to ensure that your heating, furnace, and pipes are all in working condition. The last thing you want is for your heating to fail you in the middle of a blizzard. Keep a winter safety kit at home in the event that extreme weather conditions prevent you from leaving your house for a few days. Your safety kit can contain basic necessities such as extra food and water, as well as emergency survival supplies. In addition to these items, it helps to have extra flashlights, batteries, and portable charges on hand to deal with winter emergencies that may arise.
Tips For Driving
Winter safety tips for Wisconsin residents also include tips that help them stay safe on the road during the winter months. The hazardous conditions that winter brings can make it hard to navigate the road, and in these times it’s more important than ever to be aware of your vehicle and your surroundings. Take the time to keep up with your vehicle maintenance, especially in the winter months. This helps reduce the likelihood that you end up stranded on the road in the middle of a snowstorm. Pay close attention to the weather forecast and the state of the road as you are driving. It also helps to take your time and drive cautiously to reduce the chances of careening and spinning out of control when you are driving on black ice. The majority of winter crashes in Wisconsin are caused by drivers speeding needlessly, so always take your time and factor this into your travel time.
Make sure you’re ready before it snows. Check the weather conditions before leaving the house. If the forecast advises caution, consider adjusting your commute or simply staying put if you are able. After it snows, be aware of road conditions and practice winter driving tips for Wisconsin motorists. Be safe, make sure your car is properly maintained, a full tank of gas, safe tires, plenty of windshield washer fluid. Remember, you may be a skilled and confident winter driver, but others on the road are not and you could potentially be the victim of another bad driver.
Note that Southeast Wisconsin is identified as a ‘moderate risk’ driving zone in winter weather. Ice can build up and make for unpredictable driving conditions. Blowing or drifting snow can cause white-out conditions or severely decreased visibility. If you must leave the house or office during questionable winter weather, drive cautiously and slow down!