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Winter Weather
Winter weather can bring heavy snow, icy streets and sidewalks, and dangerous wind chills.
DRESS WARMLY AND STAY DRY
Stay warm when venturing out this Winter with a few simple tips
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Dress warmly in layers and stay dry. Wear hats, scarves, and water-repellent coats. Wear mittens instead of gloves; they’ll keep your hands warmer. -
Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth. -
Don’t overdue do it. Stretch before you go outside. Take your time while shoveling snow or pushing a car. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. And walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks! -
Wind Chill makes you get colder faster, as the wind carries away heat from the body. Make sure small children stay warm - especially babies. Babies will get colder much faster than adults. -
Frostbite is frozen body tissue, usually skin. It affects the extremities first: fingers, toes, ears, and the tip of the nose. The skin might lose feeling, or look white, pale, hard or waxy. As the area thaws, skin may turn red, blue or purple. Skin can also swell or blister. The victim may also feel tingling, burning or severe pain as the frostbitten tissue thaws. -
Children lose body heat faster than adults, so they can get frostbite faster.
Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) is a life-threatening condition. Make sure small children – especially babies – stay warm. Babies will get colder much faster than adults.
SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL
The Law Regarding Snow Removal from Sidewalks
According to Philadelphia code (10-720), "the owner, agent and tenants of any building or premise shall clear a path not less than 30 inches in width on all sidewalks abutting the building or premise within six hours after snow has ceased to fall. The path shall be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Where the width of any pavement measured from the property line to the curb is less than three feet, the path cleared maybe only 12 inches in width. When the building in question is a multifamily dwelling the owner or his agent shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of this section. Snow or ice removed from sidewalks, driveways, or other areas shall not be placed or piled in the street. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to the provisions and penalties set forth in 10-718 and 10-719."
SALTING TIPS
The Philadelphia Department of Streets recommends the following salting tips:
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Any commercial de-icer is acceptable for salting your sidewalk or driveway. -
Salt should be applied as soon as a light accumulation has developed on the surface. This will break the bond between subsequent accumulations and the pavement, thereby making it easier to shovel. A final light application may be required after removal to melt the remaining residual snow. -
During a sleet or freezing rain storm, de-icing of sidewalks and driveways will require multiple applications as dictated by the actual conditions. -
Be conscious of the environment. Use de-icing salts sparingly. One pound can be used to cover 100 to 200 square feet. For example, 30 to 60 feet of sidewalk with a width of three feet can be treated at this rate. The material can be spread manually or with the help of simple equipment such as lawn seed and fertilizer spreaders. If spreaders are used, they should be rinsed out once the application is completed. -
Kitty litter can also be used to generate temporary traction.
SNOW SHOVELING TIPS
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health recommends the following snow shoveling tips:
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Warm up with some stretching exercises inside. -
Start slowly and pace yourself. Shovel no more than five loads a minute; don't shovel for more than 15 minutes without taking a break. Pause to stretch every five minutes by standing up straight. -
Push the snow. Don't lift. If you must lift, use your legs not your back. -
Drink during breaks to avoid dehydration. Breathing cold dry air robs moisture from your body with every breath. -
Never throw over your shoulder. Twisting can strain the back. Face the snow being shoveled, keep your back straight and knees bent and throw in front of you. -
Dress warmly in layers with a hat. Cover your neck. -
Take smaller scoops of snow, keeping them light and small. -
Don't work up a sweat. Bodies lose heat faster in damp clothes, which makes you more prone to injury. Take a break if you're beginning to sweat. -
Don't smoke or eat a heavy meal before shoveling. It's harder on the heart. -
Don't hold your breath; this makes your heart rate and blood pressure rise. -
Don't feel the job has to get done in one session.
WINTER DRIVING
Before driving this winter check that the brakes, battery, hoses and belts are in good condition. Regularly check your vehicle to make sure that:
AUTOMOBILE WINTER EMERGENCY KIT
Be sure to store these items in your vehicle during the winter driving season:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-operated or wind-up radio
- Jumper cables
- Emergency flares
- Fluorescent distress flag
- Tow chains or rope
- Cell phone and charger
- First-aid supplies
- Warm clothing, hats and mittens
- Blankets
- Ice scraper
- Snow shovel
- Road salt and sand
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Any special needs, such as medication, baby supplies, pet food
DRIVE SAFELY
During a snow or ice storm this winter when the roads may be treacherous, use public transportation if you must travel.
However, if you must drive:
- Avoid driving until road crews clear roadways.
- Before starting your car, clear snow from the tail pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Completely clear your vehicle of snow and ice, including windows, mirrors, roof, trunk, hood, and lights.
- Travel in daylight and don't travel alone.
- Stay on main roads.
- Be aware of potentially icy areas, such as shady spots and bridges.
- Drive at speeds dictated by conditions.
- Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the roadway.
- Do not pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these vehicles as you would emergency response vehicles.
- Carry a cell phone.
- Let family or friends know your travel schedule and routes.
- Keep a small sack of sand or kitty litter in your car for generating traction under wheels.
SAFE HEATING
Many fires and emergencies happen every year in Philadelphia because of faulty heating units. Call the Department of Licenses and Inspections at 215-686-2463 for a fire inspection if you are unsure whether your heat source is safe.
If you rent and do not have heat, contact your building owner. If your heat does not come back on within a reasonable time, contact the Department of Licenses and Inspections at 215-686-2463.
- Furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and clothes dryers should be working properly, and ventilated. Have a professional inspect them regularly in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Use electric heaters with extreme caution to prevent shock, fire and burns.
- Keep items at least three feet from heat sources, to help prevent fire.
- Never use a gas oven or burner to heat your home.
HOME HEATING TIPS
Heat your home safely this winter by following a few basic tips from the U.S. Fire Administration and Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers:
- Keep a three foot clearance between heating equipment and anything that can burn.
- Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly.
- Have fixed space heaters installed or inspected by a qualified technician, according to manufacturer’s instructions or applicable codes.
- Buy portable space heaters with labels listing a recognized testing laboratory.
- Turn off space heaters every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Choose space heaters that turn off automatically if they tip over.
- Never use a space heater to dry clothing.
- Do not use your oven or stove burners to heat your home.
- Install smoke alarms near every sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
WEATHER WORDS
Freezing Rain Advisory: A small amount of ice is expected to form on surfaces.
Winter Weather Advisory: A small amount of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain is expected.
Snow Advisory: Snowfall of one to four inches is expected within a 12-hour period.
Blizzard Warning: Strong winds, blinding driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected in the next few hours.
Winter Storm Watch: Heavy snow and/or ice is possible within 36 hours.
Winter Storm Warning: A storm with six or more inches of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain is expected within a 24-hour period. |