New Year Resolutions not your thing?
Even if you have no interest in resolutions, a new calendar brings an opportunity to consider a home health and safety check up. Here are a few suggestions for your list:
- Cold weather gear intact – every mitten has a mate, boots don’t leak, coat zippers work, head and neck warmers accessible.
- Home, shop, barn, tractor fire extinguishers checked and current.
- Shovels, ice scrapers, sidewalk de-icer (pet friendly) accessible for winter
- Snow removal equipment, shovel and snowblower, ready to use and safety checks done
- First aid kits replenished and contain large bandages, elastic wraps, compression dressings, shears for cutting through clothing, thermal wrap (looks like aluminum foil) for emergency. Saline solution is a good item to have in a first aid kit for eye wash or irrigating dirty wounds right away. protection, and a variety of band-aid.
- Flashlights and emergency flashers are in working order – this is a good time to install fresh batteries
- Vehicles are checked for safe tires, brakes, windshield wipers and other routine maintenance
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are tested and working (another opportunity for fresh batteries)
- Family members and co-workers know where to locate emergency contact information; family physician phone numbers are current and posted
- Did you get your flu shot? It is not too late!
- Is your tetanus vaccination up to date?
- Review the signs, symptoms and treatment of frostbite and hypothermia with family members, students, and co-workers.
The list can go on and will likely trigger other health and safety checklist items for you.
For more safety tips and resources, contact your local Rural Mutual agent. Have a safe winter!
