Heading into a weather-alert weekend, our safety and loss control team has critical information to share regarding travel and building maintenance.
Preparing your vehicle
Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. In 2022, there were 498 fatal traffic crashes, and an estimated 32,213 injury crashes that occurred when there was snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash. Preparing yourself – and your vehicle – for winter weather is key.
Lights
Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights. Be sure to also check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.
Windshield wipers
You can quickly go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid in a single snowstorm. Make sure your vehicle’s reservoir is full of high-quality “winter” fluid with de-icer before winter weather hits. Make sure defrosters and all windshield wipers work and replace any worn blades. Consider installing heavy-duty winter wipers if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice.
Cooling system
Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle, and that it meets the manufacturer’s specifications. See your vehicle owner’s manual for recommendations. Check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace the old coolant.
You may also want to visit your mechanic for a tune-up and ask them to check for leaks, badly worn hoses, or other needed parts, repairs, and replacements.
Before you go
Stock your vehicle
Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks, and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:
- a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper;
- abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow;
- jumper cables, flashlight and warning devices (flares and emergency markers);
- first aid kit, including tourniquet;
- blankets for protection from the cold; and
- a cell phone and charger, water, food and any necessary medicine.
Gas up or plug it in
Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible.
Similarly, in the case for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, it is important keep your battery charged and to also minimize the drain on the battery. In general, batteries with liquid electrolyte have reduced energy storage and delivery capabilities at lower temperatures, which is why most all vehicle batteries use battery power for self-heating in low temperatures. The battery drain due to heating can be minimized by keeping your electric vehicle as warm as possible during freezing temperatures. A common way to do this is plugging your vehicle in at night during the winter – keeping the battery in its optimal temperature ranges.
Plan your route
Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out. If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you do have to go out, make sure you are prepared in case you become delayed while traveling. If making a long road trip when winter weather is forecasted, consider leaving early or changing your departure to avoid being on the roads during the worst of the storm.
Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go—even if you use a GPS—and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time. On longer trips, plan enough time to stop to stretch, get something to eat, check your phone, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy.
Read more from the National Weather Service on winter storm preparedness.
Prior and during cold weather, building maintenance is key
Many county offices and work sights shut down for several days during the holiday season and during extreme weather conditions. When offices are closed, it’s important for empty buildings to be protected from potential cold, wintry weather conditions.
Don’t be caught off guard by frozen water pipes or other cold weather hazards.
Read more here.
