Connecticut Real Estate News & Community Info

Winter Driving Tips!

Living in the Northeast requires a little finesse when venturing out so I thought these tips from the Connecticut Department of Public Safety should be repeated:

1) Winterize your car to keep it in top operating condition. This will also improve safety and fuel economy.

2) Keep your gas tank as full as possible, wiper blades and defroster in good working order.

3) Carry a fully charged cell phone. A CB Radio or a armature radio can be a very useful item in emergencies.

4) Use major routes for travel. Let someone know the route you are taking and when you plan to arrive.

5) A Winter Survival Kit is a must! Remember to leave a window slightly open if you use your cars' own heater as a heat source. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can happen without the victim even being aware of it, until it is too late.

Winter Survival Kit Check List

Sleeping bags or several heavy blankets (wool)                    Coffee can with candles for heat

Coffee can with lid for sanitary needs                                    Wool hats, gloves, socks & warm shoes

Flashlight with extra batteries                                                Large box of facial tissue

First Aid Kit with pocket knife                                                 Shovel

Canned nuts, dried fruit & hard candy                                    Weather radio with extra batteries

Small sack of sand or set of chains for tires                           Flares

Hypothermia Can Kill

When the body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce it, a condition called Hypothermia begins to develop.

The symptoms become very apparent and include those listed below

Uncontrollable shivering                                                       Vague, slow slurred speech

Memory lapses; incoherence                                                Immobile, fumbling hands

Apparent exhaustion, inability to get up after rest                Frequent stumbling

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Check the forecast and road conditions before you travel. Do Not travel unless absolutely necessary in bad weather.

Dress for the outdoor conditions, not for the warmth of the car.

Reduce your speed when traveling in winter weather.

If you become stranded in winter weather stay in your vehicle and don't try to walk to safety.

If stranded, run the motor for about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Open a window slightly for fresh air. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.

If stranded, tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna and turn on the dome light at night when the motor is running. This will make your vehicle more visible to rescuers.

If stranded, don't let all occupants sleep at the same time. Exorcise and stretch as best you can.

WISHING YOU ALL A SAFE & HAPPY 2010!