I received an e-mail from the PIO of the Okla. City Fire Dept., and thought I would pass it along.


Winter Safety Tips


With a winter storm approaching Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Fire Department would like to offer the following winter weather safety tips to help keep Oklahomans safe during this storm.

Walking In Ice and Snow
e Use a melting solution or rock salt to clear all walkways of any ice and snow.
e If you shovel your walkways or driveways, pace your work and take frequent breaks.
e Wear rubber-soled shoes or boots to get better traction.
e Take slower, shorter steps when walking on ice and snow.
e Use a handrail when walking on stairways or inclines.

Winter Driving
e If possible, avoid driving while streets are covered in ice and snow.
e Have your vehicle winterized by a qualified mechanic.
e Make sure your tires have adequate tread for the conditions.
e Assemble and carry a "survival kit" for your automobile with items such as:
¨ Blankets
¨ Bottled water
¨ Flashlight and extra batteries
¨ First aid kit
¨ Jumper cables
¨ Snow chains
e Allow extra time to reach your destination.

Fueling Automobiles
e Maintain at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle during colder weather.
e Static electricity can ignite gasoline fumes; therefore, when fueling during cold, dry weather, touch your vehicle with your hand before touching the fuel pump to dissipate any possible static electricity you may have in your body.
Oklahoma City Fire Department
Winter Safety Tips News Release
January 11, 2007

e Do not re-enter your vehicle during fueling since sliding across the seat and floorboard can generate static electricity.
e Do not use a cell phone while fueling your automobile.
e Turn off the engine while fueling.
e Extinguish all smoking materials before fueling.

Heating Equipment
e Give space heaters their space; keep combustible material at least three feet away from the heater.
e Keep all combustible materials off of floor furnaces.
e Remove any combustibles from central heater closets.
e Be sure to inspect and clean your fireplace chimney annually.
e Use a metal grate to hold the logs inside the fireplace.
e Use an approved metal or glass screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers from flying out of the firebox.
e Remember to open the damper before lighting the fireplace.

General Safety Tips
e Dress warm and in layers if venturing outside during cold weather.
e Assemble a "survival kit" for your home with items such as:
¨ Battery operated radio and extra batteries
¨ Flashlights and extra batteries
¨ Bottled Water
¨ Canned food and a manual can opener
¨ Blankets
¨ First aid kit
e Check on your family, friends, and neighbors during winter storms to make sure they are managing well.