Winter Is Coming! 

Driving in Winter Conditions 

• Drive slowly

• Increase Following Distance

• Take time to learn how different vehicles handle on slick or snow covered roads.

• Plan your route based on weather and traffic conditions

Carbon Monoxide Dangers

• Don’t warm up a car that is buried in snow without clearing it

• Know where your exhaust will travel

• “If a car is started before the tailpipe is cleared, it can take as little as a minute for enough carbon monoxide to build up that it reaches dangerous levels.” ~ Dr. David Kaiser, Montreal Public Health

It Gets Darker Earlier and Stays Dark Longer

• Pedestrians are harder to see. Often, they have headphones, hats, or earmuffs that impede hearing

• Watch for wildlife on the roads – they are active starting from dusk until dawn. 

• Clean your windshields, windows, and mirrors

• Beware of sun glare. 

Winter Car Kit

•Jumper Cables

• Shovel

• Snow Brush & Ice Scraper

• Sand or Cat Litter

• Brightly Colored Cloth

• Flares or Reflective Triangle Source: National Weather Service

• Blankets, Warm Clothes, Gloves, Boots

•Hand/Foot Warmers

• First-Aid Kit and Medication

• Snack Food, Energy Bars, Water

• Cell Phone and Charger

Hypothermia: When your body temperature falls below 95 F 

Symptoms

• Shivering, Slurred speech or mumbling, Slow, shallow breathing, Weak pulse, Clumsiness or lack of coordination, Drowsiness or very low energy, Confusion or memory loss, Loss of consciousness, Bright red, cold skin

Causes

• Wearing clothes not warm enough for conditions, Staying out in the cold too long, Wet clothing

Risk Factors for Hypothermia

• Exhaustion, Older age, Very young age, Mental problems, Alcohol and drug use, Certain Medical Conditions (underactive thyroid, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s, severe arthritis), Medications

10 Tips To Prepare Your Heavy Equipment For The Winter Season:

By Kelley Sloyer

• Install the Correct Lubricants and Condition Hydraulic Hoses

• Check each level to ensure they are fluid enough for proper flow

• Store Equipment in Enclosed Storage Facilities When Possible

• It is best to keep Equipment out of the elements for an easier start.

• Use Block Heaters

• Block Heaters can be the simplest way to fire up your engine.

• Keep Batteries Fully Charged and Warm

• Cold weather requires your batteries to generate nearly 2x the cranking amps.

• Use Starting Fluid

• Warning! Starting Fluids are highly flammable and toxic, so know your SDS!

• Always, Always, Always…Run The Engine Until It Reaches Operating Temperature • Help prevent valves from sticking by running your engine. Cycle all functions.

• Ensure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated

• Conduct A Visual Inspection

• Look for cracks and worn spots in hydraulic hoses, belts, and tires. Remove snow from surfaces. • Store Diesel Exhaust Fluid Properly

• D.E.F. freezes at prolonged exposure to temps of 12 degrees or lower.

• Always Fill The Fuel Tank At The End Of A Shift

• Avoid a frozen fuel tank in the morning by filling up at the end of each day

Information Provided by previous CSC meeting November 2021 presented by Dino Franco, AUI, Inc.