After many snow loving Bronxites have been sharing their disappointment over Twitter and Facebook with the lack of snow this winter, it looks like The Bronx is finally going to get its share. As students will be eagerly awaiting school closings (I would not hold my breath on that one, but it doesn’t hurt to hope) some of us have to head out to work in the morning. Before you go out to brave the storm be sure to take necessary safety measures. Whether you are heading to work, school or decide to play in the snow after the storm it is important that you protect from the cold. The NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) put together Winter Health & Safety Tips, among these are:
- Wear a hat, hood, or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.
- Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.
- Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.
- Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.
If you must drive:
- Avoid traveling alone, but if you do so, let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive.
- Dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in layers.
- Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions.
- Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible; these roadways will be cleared first.
- Drive slowly. Posted speed limits are for ideal weather conditions. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
- Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
- If you skid, steer in the direction you want the car to go and straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction.
- Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with antilock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without antilock brakes in icy or snowy conditions.
- Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
While Staten Island Chuck predicted an early spring, we are still in winter, make sure your home is winter ready by checking out Winter Season Prep website by OEM. For school updates visit the NYC Department of Education website or call 311. Stay tuned to NYC Severe Weather website for updates and for Bronx news stay tuned to News 12 The Bronx.
For more information about winter safety visit the National Weather Service Weather Safety and Awareness.