News: Winter Weather Safety Tips from the Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management and Sheriff's Office

(Feb. 4, 2010) - With significant snow accumulation expected this weekend, the Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office offer winter weather safety tips that will help keep you safe during a winter storm.

Fire Chief Joseph Pozzo urges all residents to take preventative action and assist emergency personnel and neighbors during snowstorms. By preparing your family and home for winter emergencies, you can reduce the risk of health and safety problems. Extremely cold temperatures, snow accumulation and flooding can often cause hazardous conditions and many hidden problems. Pozzo offers these simple winter weather safety tips:



•When snow accumulates, fire hydrants throughout Loudoun County and the region can be covered with snow. Take time to clear the area surrounding fire hydrants and dry hydrants in your neighborhood. Clearing snow around hydrants will allow emergency personnel to quickly access water in the event of an emergency.

•Make sure that all entrances to your residence are clear of obstructions, such as snow.

•To help reduce the risk of injuries from slips and falls, clear the snow from driveways and sidewalks.

•Make sure your home address is visible from the road.

•Intense exertion from shoveling snow, combined with low temperatures can potentially cause heart attacks and injuries. As cold weather puts extra strain on your body, be careful to avoid over-exertion.

•Remember to stay hydrated while shoveling.

•Avoid driving in the snow. If you must travel in the bad weather, do so during daylight and drive slowly. Use main roads and inform someone of your route of travel.

•Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make certain they are working properly.

•Never leave alternative heating sources, such as space heaters, or candles unattended.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists that winter driving can be hazardous, especially in our area where we normally receive a mixture of ice, freezing rain and snow, which causes travel difficulties including slippery roads and limited visibility.

Loudoun Sheriff Steve Simpson is advising motorists to make sure their vehicles are equipped with a well-stocked winter driving kit. A winter driving kit should include the following items:

•Properly fitting tire chains
•Bag of sand or salt (or kitty litter)
•Traction mats
•Snow shovel
•Snow brush
•Ice scraper
•Booster cables
•Warning devices such as flares or emergency lights
•Fuel line de-icer (methanol, also called methyl alcohol or methyl hydrate)
•Extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures
•Roll of paper towels
•Flashlight and a portable flashing light (and extra batteries)
•Blanket
•Extra clothing, including hat and wind-proof pants, and warm footwear
•First aid kit
•Snack bars or other "emergency" food and water
•Matches and emergency candles. Only use these with a window opened to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide.
•Road maps
•"Call Police" or other help signs or brightly colored banners

More Tips on Safe Winter Driving

The Sheriff's Office reminds motorists to stay safe in the winter by also following these tips:

• Always keep the gas tank as full as possible. When it gets to half, fill it up.

• Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to make the trip, ensure someone is aware of your route of travel.

• Carry a cellular phone. Your cell phone can be used during emergencies and for notifying those expecting your arrival in case there are weather delays.

• Always buckle-up. Your seat belt can be the best protection against drivers who are tense and in a hurry because of weather conditions.

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights – even the hood and roof – before driving.

• Pay attention. Don’t try to out-drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.

• Leave plenty of room for stopping.

• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back a safe stopping distance and don’t pass on the right.

• Know the current road conditions: http://511virginia.org/Default.aspx; For statewide highway information 24-hours-a-day, call the Highway Helpline at 1-800-367-ROAD or check local traffic incident information at www.loudoun.gov/traffic (www.loudoun.gov/mobiletraffic via your web browsing cell phone).

• Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions.

• Watch for slippery bridges, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridges will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.

• Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

• Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle’s traction. Your 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.

• Do not pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to “stomp and steer!”

• Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.

• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

•Go slow!

More emergency preparedness information is available at www.loudoun.gov/OEM.