By and large, falls are the number one injury we see in our Emergency Departments during winter weather. Never underestimate the impact of winter weather, and please take special precautions to ensure your and your family’s health and safety.
3 Winter Safety Tips to Follow
The following are some helpful tips to keep in mind whenever there is winter weather.
#1 – Be careful.
Take your time, wear appropriate shoes or boots, use handrails when available, and remove or clean your shoes when you get back inside.
#2 – Be cautious when shoveling snow.
Shoveling snow is strenuous work. When you are not used to that kind of movement, make sure to stretch to warm up your body and possibly prevent injury.
#3 – Take precautions to avoid sledding accidents.
Sleds can be great fun, but they can also be extremely dangerous. Always sit face-forward and choose a hill that has a manageable slope with a long steep path that is free of jumps, bumps, and obstacles like trees, fences or mailboxes. And, wear a helmet.
Prepare for inclement weather – at home & on the road.
Car Checklist:
- Booster cables
- Ice scrapers
- First aid and tool kits
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Blankets
- Bottled water
- Sack of sand or kitty litter (for generating traction in snow/ice)
Other Helpful Winter Tips to Keep in Mind
Check on elderly neighbors & loved ones.
Be sure to check on your elderly neighbors, friends and loved ones during cold spells and make sure they are adequately protected.
Avoid using portable heating equipment.
Never use portable heating equipment that is not approved for indoor use inside – including grills.
Our Emergency Departments Are Open 24/7
Remember, WakeMed emergency departments are always open – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are visiting another one of our facilities, please check our website for the latest closings & delays.
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