Winterize your vehicle

Photo courtesy of MO Department of Transportation

Winter weather has arrived, and before you head out, here are some tips on how to winterize your vehicle: 

Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

• Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
• Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
• Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
• Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
• Install good winter tires - Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Update the emergency kits in your vehicles with:

• a shovel
• windshield scraper and small broom
• flashlight
• battery powered radio
• extra batteries
• water
• snack food
• matches
• extra hats, socks and mittens
• first aid kit with pocket knife
• necessary medications
• blanket(s)
• tow chain or rope
• Cat litter or sand for better tire traction

Also consider:

• A fully-charged cell phone and phone charger
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child

Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank full and if you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

Before you travel check out an updated view of weather-related road conditions for major Missouri and Illinois highways.

In Missouri, log onto http://www.modot.org/ to view MoDOT's Traveler Information Map
or in Illinois: http://wrc.gettingaroundillinois.com/pages/wrc.htm to view IDOT’s Traveler Information Map. 

For more information visit: Ready.gov 

Beat the Cold Weather

Photo courtesy of www.noaa.gov

For many people, working or playing in cold weather can be a positive experience. You may feel invigorated by the bracing air and feel like doing your work with more physical energy than usual. When it comes to leisure, cold weather offers many enjoyable activities whether it's building a snowman with the kids, skiing, or ice skating.

Unfortunately, all the enjoyable aspects of working or playing out in cold weather can turn negative if you are not dressed warmly or dryly enough. Over exposure to cold and dampness can cause your body temperature to lower. This condition is called hypothermia. You may have it when you start to shiver and experience chills, or find yourself unable to think or speak clearly. You may lose your coordination and quite possibly your consciousness.

You could also get frostbite which is when your body tissue freezes. Frostbite happens most frequently to your extremities like your feet and toes, fingers, face and nose. Symptoms include numbness and a white and waxy appearance to your skin.

There are many things you can do to dress properly for the cold:

♦ Dress in layers so you can remove or put on clothing according to the temperature.
♦ Always wear a warm hat on your head–this is the part of the body that loses heat the fastest. There are also liners you can wear to keep your head warm under a hard hat or other kinds of protective head gear. Consider wearing a knitted face mask to deflect cold and wind chill.
♦ Wear waterproof, insulated boots with several layers of socks, preferably cotton ones under wool. They enable your feet to breathe. When your socks or boot liners become wet, remove and replace them.
♦ Always wear warm gloves or mitts. Some gloves have liners which, if wet, should be removed and replaced.

In addition to dressing properly for cold conditions, it's important to eat regularly when you are out in the cold, especially foods high in carbohydrates and fats. Your body requires a large number of calories to shiver and keep warm. Avoid alcohol (contrary to the popular image of the St. Bernard dog delivering brandy to warm a frozen victim!)

Try to keep moving while in the cold; don't be still. This helps to keep your body temperature up and circulation moving. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, get to a shelter right away and seek medical help.

When you work or play in the cold, it is a good idea to have a companion. What if you were to become injured or over-exposed to the cold and couldn't seek help yourself?

Remember: working or playing in cold weather can be a positive experience if you dress warmly and use common sense about protecting yourself.

For additional information on cold injuries, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress