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Winter 2015–2016
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WINTER SAFETY
EMERGENCY KIT
BASICS
A standard store-bought
first-aid kit is sufficient for
most injuries and is key in
any emergency kit. Make
sure you have shelf-stable
food and water (1 gallon
per person per day) for
three days, and stock up
on batteries for flashlights
and electronic devices.
Keep supplies in an
airtight container stored
in a cool, dry place.
Are you ready for an
The last few winters have wreaked havoc on unsuspecting North Texans, and being
caught unprepared for frigid weather can quickly result in an emergency situation.
Frank Wright, PhD, RSP, director of safety and risk management at CareFlite, an air
medical transportation service co-founded by Methodist Health System, offers these tips
and advice for winter weather preparation.
STAYING SAFE
AT HOME
The losses of electricity
and heat are the two
worst scenarios during
a winter storm. Never
bring your charcoal or
gas grill into the house
to provide warmth. Also,
it’s unnecessary to stock
up on space heaters, as
they require electricity.
A generator is the safest
way to provide electricity
and heat.
Use food from the
refrigerator first, then
the freezer. Turn off all
unnecessary appliances
and devices, but keep
one light turned on so
you know when power
has been restored. Lastly,
know where the nearest
shelter is located before
you may need to seek
it out.
STAY OFF
THE ROADS
The absolute best way
to stay safe during
inclement weather is to
stay home. There is rarely
anything so important
that it requires traveling
in dangerous conditions.
During the winter months,
CareFlite responds mostly
to automobile accidents
caused by icy conditions.
Most people don’t realize
that emergency personnel
have to travel in the very
same conditions in order to
respond to an accident, so
think twice about making
the decision to travel
during unsafe weather.
PREPAREDNESS
IN THE CAR
Always keep blankets,
comfortable shoes, water,
food (such as energy
bars), and kitty litter in
your car during the winter.
Why kitty litter? When
spread in front of your
tires, it will provide traction
on ice. If you do get into
an accident, stay in your
car to avoid falling or being
hit by another car, unless
the car is too damaged or
there is a risk of fire.
LOOKING FOR MORE
EXPERT ADVICE?
Find
health tips year-round in
our online health library at
MethodistHealthSystem.org/ HealthLibrary .