Winter can be a hazardous time of year. Frigid temperatures and slick roads can be dangerous. Being prepared will help you and your family remain safe this winter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide a number of winter safety tips to help you prepare for freezing temperatures and prevent injuries and illness. When it comes to preparing your home, car and family during the winter months, follow these tips.

It’s a good idea to have a health emergency kit in your home and your car. If you have chronic conditions, your kit should include a full list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications with dosing instructions. Don’t forget to include your contact information, your primary care provider and an extra supply of drugs and other necessities.

Winter safety tips

Prepare your home

Winterize your home to help protect yourself and your family from any potential damage the cold temperatures and snow may bring. Follow these tips to keep your home safe and warm:

• Check your heating systems.
• Clean out chimneys and fireplaces.
• Closely monitor any burning fires or candles.
• Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• Remove ice and snow from walkways to prevent slips and falls.
• Keep an emergency kit in your home that includes flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, extra medicine and baby items.
• If you lose power, your kit should also include food and water for three days for each family member, warm clothing if you have to evacuate and toys and games for children.

Prepare your car

 Is your car ready for winter travel? It’s not too late to winterize your car. Check out these car care tips to prepare you for winter driving:

• Check your tires and replace with all-weather or snow tires, if necessary.
• Keep your gas tank full to prevent ice from getting in the tank and fuel lines.
• Use a wintertime fluid in your windshield washer.
• Make an emergency kit to keep in your car. Include water, snacks, first-aid kit, blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, portable cell phone charger and emergency flares.

Prepare your family for outdoor winter activities

Remaining indoors during the winter is appealing. But you and your family may want to venture outdoors to enjoy winter activities. When you do, take these steps to prevent serious injuries and illnesses, like hypothermia and frostbite:

• Wear layers of light and warm clothing, a wind-resistant coat, waterproof shoes and a hat, gloves and scarf.
• Work slowly when engaged in outdoor tasks, such as shoveling your driveway or removing snow from your car.
• Take a friend and carry a charged cell phone when participating in outdoor activities.