Before winter strikes, you can contact your local radio or television station about producing some short public service announcements on winter safety! You might also want to become a morning news or talk show speaker on winter safety tips.
Here are some samples you can have reproduced ... oh yes, don't forget to include: "This advice is from ______, Emergency Management Director." Take these samples and run with them!!
AVOID FIRES IN WINTER -- home fires occur more often in the winter. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions when using space heaters and fuel-burning stoves. INSTALL a
smoke detector. This advice from _________.
DON'T DRIVE -- When a blizzard strikes...don't drive. If you must, be sure your car
is in good condition and has snow tires or chains. This advice from ______.
GOING OUTSIDE -- If you must go outside during a winter storm, dress warmly and
don't overexert. This advice from ____.
HOME PREPAREDNESS -- Prepare for the winter storm season...insulate your home and
have a safe, emergency heat source for at least one room. This advice from ____.
ASK A FIRE FIGHTER -- For information about the installation, maintenance or
operation of your fuel-burning stove, call your local fire department. This advice from
____.
WINTER CAR KITS -- Be ready for winter driving. Carry blankets, a shovel, sand or
gravel and a working flashlight in your car. This advice from _____.
A COLD HOUSE -- If your heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by wearing
several layers of lightweight clothing and a wool cap. Eat natural, high energy foods like
raisins or peanut butter that allow your body to produce its own heat. Cl ose off rooms
you don't need. And sleep under several lightweight blankets instead of a single heavy
one. This advice from_____.
WORKING OUTSIDE -- Cold weather itself puts a strain on your heart and body. If you
must work outside during a blizzard, dress warmly...watch for signs of frostbite and
hypothermia...avoid alcohol... and change wet clothing as quickly as possible. This advice
from ____.
TREATMENT FOR EXPOSURE -- Signs of overexposure to the cold include shivering,
slurred speech and drowsiness. If someone shows these symptoms, get that person into dry
clothing and a warm bed. Don't rub or massage hands or feet. Give the person warm - not
hot- drinks, but never alcohol. If symptoms are extreme, call for medical assistance
immediately. This advice from ____.
A COLD HOUSE -- If your heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing
off rooms you don't need and use only safe sources of heat, like wood and other
fuel-burning stoves. Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, and wear a cap --
most of your body heat is lost through your head. Sleep under several lightweight blankets
instead of a single heavy one. Eat well-balanced meals and quick energy foods so your body
can produce its own heat. This advice from_____.
SAFETY ON THE ROAD -- When winter storms strike, don't drive. If you must travel,
listen to traveler's advisories and have an alternate route planned. Keep emergency
supplies in your car such as blankets, extra clothing, a shovel, sand or gravel, a
flashlight or matches and candles, and quick energy floods. Keep your gas tank filled to
prevent gas line freeze-up. And be sure to let someone know your travel plans. This advice
from ____.
TRAPPED IN A CAR -- If a blizzard traps you while driving, stay in your car and
wait for help. Don't leave unless you can see shelter from your car -- you can easily get
lost in a storm. Run the engine for short periods to keep warm, but be sure to open a
downwind window slightly when the engine is on. Keep the exhaust pipe clean of snow. Turn
on the dome light at night to signal rescuers. Take turns sleeping and watching for
help...and don't panic. This advice from ____.
PHYSICAL EXERTION -- More people die in winter cold waves than in hurricanes,
tornadoes or any other weather phenomena. Cold weather itself -- without any exercise --
puts an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion -- like shoveling snow, pus hing a car,
or even walking fast in cold weather increases your chances for a heart attack or stroke.
In cold weather, also watch for signs of hypothermia, especially in elderly people living
alone. This advice from ____.
FIRE SAFETY TIPS -- Many of us use wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and other
alternate sources of heat during cold weather, but make certain we use them safely. It's
important to have your stove installed correctly and use only the fuel designed f or your
heater. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or quicken a fire. Always
keep a screen around an open flame, and don't close the damper while ashes are still hot.
Contact your local fire department for more information on altern ate heating. This advice
from _____.
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