Here in Southwestern PA, winter has only just begun. Although ice skating, sledding, and skiing are winter activities we all enjoy, winter is also one of the most dangerous seasons. Keep yourself and your family safe and healthy this winter so you can enjoy all of the season’s fun festivities.
Along with owning a home is the responsibility of keeping the sidewalks shoveled and salted, especially if you live in town. Although you’ll work up quite a sweat, keep your coat zipped and your hat on. Your sweat can easily freeze and your ears could possibly get frostbite before you’ve finished. It’s also a good idea to make sure you’re properly hydrated before you head outside, just because it's cold doesn’t mean your body can’t overheat. While shoveling, remember to lift with your legs, not your back and take breaks, as many breaks as necessary.
If you don’t live on the main road, it can often get neglected by snow and ice trucks, especially on the worst of days. Should you need to cross the icy street, take some salt with you, even the kind you use for cooking will do. Sprinkle it ahead of you as you walk to keep from falling in the road and getting injured.
January and February are peak flu seasons, make sure to get your flu shot to protect not only yourself but those in your home. The flu can be extremely dangerous for the elderly and children, so take the proper precautions and visit your doctor or local drug store now.
If you haven’t already, install a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home. Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas and its symptoms are similar to that of the common flu. Since the gas is odorless, the detector will notify you immediately if your furnace is emitting an unsafe amount of Carbon Monoxide.
