Following are tips to follow in preparing for winter:
* Be familiar with winter storm warning messages.
* Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways, and kitty
litter to provide temporary traction.
* Be familiar with the city’s snow plow routes: www.brightonco.gov and click on “Streets and Fleet” under the Departments tab.
* Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
* Keep pipes from freezing. Cover exposed pipes, allow faucets to drip slightly to avoid freezing.
* Know how to shut off main water valves.
* Have your 3-day disaster supply kit available.
* Purchase extra food/water.
* Develop an emergency communication plan.
* Install and check smoke detectors.
* Listen to local authority advisements when traveling.
* Have a car survival kit available (blankets, food, water, maps, flares, first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, etc.
If you are in your car and become stranded or lost during a winter storm:
* Pull off the road, set hazard lights to flashing, and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
* Remain in your vehicle. Rescuers are most likely to find you there. If you decide to walk to the nearest shelter, leave a note for rescuers.
* Do not set out on foot unless you see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.
* Conserve fuel. Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.
* Crack a downwind window slightly for ventilation in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Exercise to maintain body heat but do not over exert.
* If other people are in the vehicle, huddle with them to stay warm and use your jacket as a blanket.
* In extremely cold conditions, use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspaper or extra clothing to provide additional insulation and warmth.
* Turn on the inside dome light so rescue teams can see you at night. Be careful not to run the car battery down. In remote areas, spread a large piece of bright cloth over the snow to attract attention of passing vehicles and/or rescue planes.
* Once the blizzard is over, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot. Follow the road if possible. If you need to walk across open country, use distant points as landmarks to help your sense of direction.
