Brighton Area Fire Authority Offers Winter Safety Tips

Though the weather has been mild, this is Michigan and we all know snow and ice are just around the corner. That’s why the Brighton Area Fire Authority would like to pass along some winter season safety information.

Vehicle maintenance and driving

No one wants to break down in any season, but especially not in cold or snowy winter weather. Start the season off right by ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition. We would like you to heed these vehicle and driving tips for your daily commutes.

Maintain the following levels – a full vehicle tune-up will cover many of these items:

• At least a half tank of gas. If you get stuck in a traffic jam or in snow, you might need more fuel to get home or keep warm.
• Full windshield washer fluid. You can go through a lot of fluid in a single snow storm.
• Full power steering fluid. This is important for maintaining steering control.
• Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and that it's designed to withstand winter temperatures you might experience in your area.
• Proper tire air pressure. This is important to maintain traction on bad roads and improves gas mileage.
• Have a mechanic check your battery for sufficient voltage.

Keep these items in your vehicle

• Water
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• Snow scraper
• Jumper cables

When driving, keep these practices in mind:

• Leave early for your commute to allow extra travel time.
• Don't rush. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely and allow at least four seconds between vehicles.
• Know what kind of brakes your vehicle has and how to use them properly. In general, if you have anti-lock brakes - apply firm pressure, if you have non anti-lock brakes - pump brakes gently.
• Good visibility is always important, but even more so during the winter months. Before you drive, remove ice and snow from all of your vehicle's windows and mirrors as well as the roof and hood.

Home maintenance

During the cold season our homes become our safe haven more than ever. That’s why it’s important to make sure it can withstand whatever Mother Nature might send our way. Check out these home maintenance tips this season:

• Make sure your smoke and CO detectors have fresh batteries!
• Inspect your furnace for any water damage or corrosion and change the filter.
• As the weather is mild, protect your roof by replacing any shingles that are loose or missing. Also to keep the weather from finding other ways inside your home, be sure to caulk any gaps around window or door frames.
• While you’re outside, clear snow off gas meters and away from basement windows and your dryer exhaust vent.
• Have a bucket of salt ready for your sidewalk and porch and apply before the snow hits if possible.
• Be cautious when walking! Ice can form anywhere so be sure to use guard rails whenever possible.
• Take a moment to prepare yourself and your family for a black out or snow-in. Having the following items ready will help you make it through safely: Flashlights, bottled water, nonperishable food items, blankets, phone numbers for your utility companies, battery backup to protect your computer and other important electronic equipment and first-aid kit.

The Brighton Area Fire Authority wishes you a safe winter season. Remember, if your smoke alarms do not work or you do not have a smoke alarm contact the Brighton Area Fire Authority (810-229-6640) and we will replace or install them for free! Working smoke alarms dramatically increase your chances of surviving a fire.