Coloradans love our outdoor lifestyle! The past few months have spoiled Denverites with the unseasonably warm weather. Now it seems as if we’ve made up winter in 2 weeks. As below freezing temperatures and snow settles over Denver, make sure you have taken proper measures to prepare yourself and your home for safety.
Tips to Keep Your Home Safe
- Keep snow and ice off of roofs and gutters
- Remove snow from walk ways
- Know where your main water shut off valve is located
- Place covers over outside water faucets
- Check attic for water intrusion
- You may need to turn on and allow to drip, inside water faucets to prevent freezing
- Make sure your heating system is working properly
- If you are not using your fireplace, close the flue
- If you will be going away, set your home to a temperature no lower than 60 degrees
Tips to Keep Yourself Safe
- Wear warm clothes- Keep hands and face protected
- Keep clothing dry
- Before entering a heated shelter, brush off the snow
- Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose
- Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, drowsiness, and exhaustion
- If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing, and proper snow boots to keep your feet dry in case you need to walk through snow
- Keep blankets, extra layers, water and a first aid kit in your vehicle
- Be sure to have an ice scraper, shovel, and any extra fluids your vehicle could need in extreme weather
- Check CDOT for up to date road and weather conditions before traveling
Source: FEMA, III & National Safety CouncilSource FEMA, III & National Safety Council
