Road Rules
Hitting the road this holiday? In some areas winter weather means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions and unseen dangers. Are you prepared? According to a recent FEMA survey , 52 percent of people reported having supplies set aside for use in a disaster.
If your travel needs call for driving in wintry weather, prepare your car for the trip by updating your vehicle emergency kit with:
- Booster cables;
- Blankets, hats, socks, and mittens;
- Road salt or sand; and
- A fluorescent distress flag.
While on the road, follow these driving techniques to ensure you reach your destination safely:
- Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop;
- Break gently to avoid skidding;
- Do not use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads; and
- Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to others.
Road conditions can change quickly! Should disaster strike when traveling, use the Disaster Reporter feature on the FEMA app to send photos of your location for first responders and response teams to view. You can also keep up with weather forecasts using your NOAA weather radio to plan ahead! Remember safety first. If weather conditions are too severe, it's best not to drive.
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Before You Fry That Turkey…
Deep-frying turkeys has become an increasingly popular cooking method when preparing holiday feasts. While fried turkey may be a tasty addition to your meal, cooking with deep-fat turkey fryers can be a recipe for disaster! They have a high risk of tipping over, overheating or spilling hot oil - which can lead to fires, burns and other injuries. So, before you try your hand at deep-frying that turkey, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following safety guidelines including:
- Completely thaw and dry the turkey before cooking;
- Never use a turkey fryer in, on or under a garage, breezeway, porch or any structure that can catch fire;
- If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn off gas supply; and
- If a fire occurs, call 911.
Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires . For a safer alternative to deep-frying your bird, consider using an outdoor turkey cooking appliance that does not require oil .
Fire is Everyone's Fight™ ! Join in this national effort led by the U.S. Fire Administration to lower the number of home fires and injuries to make your holiday season disaster free!
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What's In Your Chimney?
During the winter months, many people use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances to heat their homes. Heating fires account for 36 percent of residential fires in rural areas each year. These fires are often due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages these steps and more to keep your home fires burning safely:
- Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned yearly by a certified chimney specialist;
- Leave glass doors open while burning a fire to prevent creosote buildup; and
- Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
Do you know how to properly build and maintain a fire to heat your home? Watch the video series hosted by the National Fire Academy Deputy Superintendent to learn fire safety techniques. Taking these actions will also support the mission of America's PrepareAthon ! for a more disaster resilient nation!
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Dates for Your Calendar!
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