News

Winter driving requires vigilance

  • Published
  • 446th Airlift Wing Safety Office
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  By most accounts, it's been a mild winter here in the Northwest. In December, only rain has fallen at McChord Field, home of the 446th Airlift Wing. But the winter season is still young, and conditions can change rapidly. Reservist shouldn't lessen their vigilance against accidents and unsafe conditions, if they still want to call McChord Field home.

The number one cause of winter driving accidents is driving too fast. Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death in winter storms. Many accidents can be avoided if drivers take the time to learn and practice driving safely during snowy and icy conditions.

Perhaps the deadliest winter driving danger is "black ice," which is pretty common here in Washington.

Black ice is ice which forms on a roadway, usually due to snow melting and re-freezing.  Since it is almost invisible, drivers fail to recognize black ice conditions and may drive at normal speeds -often resulting in very serious accidents. Always be alert to the possibility of black ice when temperatures are near or below freezing. Pavement that looks dry but appears darker in color and dull-looking should alert you to the presence of black ice.

Here are some tips you should remember for driving safely in winter:
· Always use your seatbelt.

· Turn on your headlights during adverse weather conditions. Overcast skies, rain and falling snow limit visibility. It is important to see and be seen.

· Like all the signs say, bridges and overpasses freeze before the roadway. Use extra caution on these.

· Remember that driving in winter weather conditions causes physical and mental fatigue and reduces reaction times. Get plenty of rest and adequate nutrition. Don't drive while you're sleepy or on medication that causes drowsiness.

· Prepare your vehicle well ahead of time. Check fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, and the battery. Have a mechanic give your vehicle a winter check-up and make any necessary repairs. Stock an emergency kit containing heavy clothes and a blanket, traction material such as sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a small shovel, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and a bright cloth to use as a flag.

Keeping Your Home Safe and Warm
Once you've driven safely home, you need to switch your focus from winter driving safety to fire safety.

Did you know that each year more than a half million winter fires cause $3 billion in property loss, 1,900 deaths, and nearly 8,000 injuries?

Heating is the leading cause of winter fires, whereas cooking is the leading cause over the entire year. January is the peak month for residential fire deaths and injuries.

Ensure you inspect your home annually. A few things you should be looking at to help prevent injuries and deaths related to heating your home include:

Inspect all your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly to ensure proper operation. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, get fresh air right away and contact a doctor for proper diagnosis.

Make sure heating equipment is installed properly. Have a trained specialist inspect and tune up your heating system each year.

Keep portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including bedding, furniture, and clothing. Never drape clothing over a space heater to dry.

Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Never leave children in a room alone when a space heater is in use.

If you use a kerosene heater, use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never put gasoline in a kerosene heater; it could explode. Before you refuel the heater, turn it off and let it cool down. Refuel outside only. When using a kerosene heater, keep a door open to the rest of the house or open a window slightly. This will reduce the chance of carbon monoxide build-up in the room.

Have your fireplace chimney and flue inspected each year and cleaned if needed. Open the flue and use a sturdy fireplace screen when you have a fire. Burn only untreated wood; never burn paper or pine branches, as pieces can float out the chimney and ignite your roof, a neighbor's roof, or nearby trees.

If you use a wood-burning stove, have the chimney connection and flue checked each year. Make sure the stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and coals.

Never use your range or oven to heat your home, even for a short time.

The staff of the 446th Airlift Wing safety office wants everybody to have a safe and joyful winter and a happy new year.