December Safety Article: Winter Safety Awareness Month

Southbury Ambulance Association has developed some tips to help the community stay safe during Winter Safety Awareness Month.

As the holiday season is approaching, it can pose some challenges and safety risks due to the cold weather, so here are some tips to keep you safe this winter.

If you plan to shovel snow this winter, it is important that you take short periodic breaks due to the increased strain on the heart. According to the American Journal of Cardiology, snow shoveling can be as demanding on the heart as taking a treadmill stress test. Pushing the snow with the shovel rather than lifting and throwing it can help reduce the strain on the body.

While decorating for the holiday season can be exciting, it’s also important to be cautious with your choice of decorations. According to the National Safety Council, if you are using a live tree, make sure to keep it at least 3 feet away from heat sources to prevent a fire risk. In addition, if you have children, you should keep them away from plants such as mistletoe, holly berries, and amaryllis, seeing as these plants have the potential to be poisonous if ingested. Lastly, replace any lights that are broken or have frayed wires and don’t overload extension cords to prevent them catching fire.

When driving this winter, always ensure that you have a designated driver if there will be alcohol involved. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, December drunk driving deaths are the highest compared to other months. Make sure to prepare your car for the icy conditions by checking your tires, antifreeze, windshield wipers, and battery before heading out. With the increased amount of traffic on the road, practice defensive driving and refrain from using your cell phone while driving.

We hope you enjoy this holiday season and that these tips will help you stay safe throughout the winter months!

By: Nadina Bhadrasain 68 Georges Hill Rd. Southbury, CT 06488