Tips for staying safer this winter in Madison County
By Landon Biehl
With the holiday season nearly in full swing, winter weather is on the way in Madison County. To be better prepared for another winter it’s best to get a heads up on the forecast and get some friendly reminders and safety tips for getting around this winter.
According to meteorologist, the predicted forecast for December is the daytime high temperatures are higher than average at the beginning. The temps will drop down to below average mid-month, but at the end of the December, the temperatures will rise again to above average. There are greater chances of snow and ice near the end of the month.
As we ring in the new year, the predicted temperatures will rise and fall above the average high temps throughout the whole month. Madison County is likely to have a chance of snow and ice nearly every day during January. Ice is likely on the mornings when the temperatures were warmer than usual the day before.
Madison County should have a good amount of warmer days to get out and enjoy the weather during the first part of winter, but it’s also important to keep safety tips in mind during the winter season.
Getting Road-Ready
Before winter fully arrives, it’s important to make sure that your vehicle is road ready for snow and ice. Make sure that your tires have good tread, and if your vehicle benefits from having snow tires, you may want to have some mounted to your car.
Get an oil change, have your fluids checked and topped off, and have your trusted mechanic take a look at your brakes to make sure that they are working properly.
Whether you travel a few miles to go to work or are planning on doing more road travel during the holiday season, having a winter emergency kit in your car can be beneficial if your car breaks down. Consider having an extra blanket, jumper cables, a collapsible snow shovel, and sand or cat litter in your vehicle during the winter months.
Car accidents in the winter are common and sometimes hard to avoid, especially when there is snow and ice. To reduce your risk of a car accident, don’t forget your defensive driving skills, keep some extra space between you and the car in front of you, and avoid the roads when travel is not advised.
Staying Safer Outdoors
Even though the winter temps drop during the winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t get out and enjoy the weather. While the temperatures are predicted to fluctuate this winter, always dress in layers to prevent getting too cold (or too overheated). Always wear boots with good tread to avoid slipping and falling on sidewalks and other surfaces.
At home, keep the sidewalks, driveway, and outdoor steps free from ice and snow. Not only is it important to keep your property free from ice and snow for your own safety, but also for the people who visit or walk near your home.
Winterizing Your Home
In addition to clearing snow and ice away from areas at your home, don’t forget to winterize your home to stay warmer this winter. Add insulation to drafty areas of your home or put plastic on your windows if you live in an older home.
Have your heating source serviced every winter and make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Landon Biehl enjoys writing in his free time and enjoys covering a wide variety of topics. In his spare time, you can find him spending a lot of time outdoors. You can reach Landon on twitter at @lbiehl1.