News and Updates

With the possibility of a winter storm system moving through the area, we wanted to remind you about some general winter safety tips and trivia!

Winter Fun Facts

• In 2014, in the U.S., there were 42,480 workplace injuries and illnesses involving ice, sleet, or snow that required at least one day away from work to recuperate.
• About 8 percent of snow/ice related slips and falls occur INDOORS. Be careful in those entryways and hallways.
• Stopping distances for vehicles on ice is almost 10 times that of stopping distances for vehicles on a dry surface.
• The accident rate on black ice can be up to five times higher than on dry surfaces and four times higher than on wet surfaces.
• Icicles and chunks of ice and snow can be deadly falling objects and projectiles. Most ice falls within five to 10 feet of a building but can travel 50-100 feet from taller structures, such as cell towers, overpasses, or high-rise buildings. A half-pound icicle, three inches in diameter, can fall at a rate of 80-90 mph and hit you with 1,000 pounds of deadly force.

Winter Safety Reminders

• Always have cold weather gear with you in your car. This includes things like hats, gloves, solid footwear, a warm jacket, extra socks and a blanket.
• Know before you go – check the weather before you hit the road.
• Keep bottles of water with you – you can still dehydrate in the winter. Pack some snacks too – jerky, nuts, dried fruit and shelf-stable chocolate milk.
• Slow down! Reduce your speed and increase your following distance when driving on snow and ice covered roads.
• Decelerate by removing your foot from the accelerator and then gently brake.
• When driving in snowy/icy weather, don’t assume the other driver is going to stop for you. Even if they want to, they may not be able to.
• When walking on snow and ice, move slower and more purposefully.
• Wear the right shoes. Choose footwear with good rubber treads. You can always change into those fashionable shoes once you are safely inside.

For more ideas and tips, learn more from the National Safety Council.