Take no chances behind the wheel in winter weather

When the weather brings a winter wonderland, it also brings the most dangerous driving days of the year.

Here are some tips for taking on the winter elements on the road:

Car check: Before you leave, check to make sure your vehicle is in good condition. Have a full tank of gas, a charged battery and make sure your tires and windshield wipers are in good condition. In case of emergencies, it is also good to have an emergency kit with supplies to take care of your car and yourself.

Watch the weather: Oklahoma weather changes quickly and unexpectedly. Know the forecast for your entire traveling schedule. The weather when you leave may not be the weather you’re driving into.

Coats and child seats: Child car seats may not fit your child properly if they are bundled up in a heavy winter coat. The easiest solution is to have your car warmed up and place your child in the car seat without the heavy winter gear. It is easier to control the car’s heat level than a child’s comfort level.

Talking to teens: No other hazard comes close to dangerous driving when it comes to teen deaths. Careless driving, including driving too fast or under the influence of drugs or alcohol are common causes. A parent- teen contract may be a good way to outline promises to not drive while sleep deprived or distracted with cell phones or too many passengers. Most importantly, start the dialog on safe winter driving.

Slowly

Self-support: Don’t rely on cruise control or overdrive. Don’t get overconfident when driving with four wheel drive or in an SUV. Maintaining control of your vehicle instead of relying on vehicle features will help you drive safer.

Althea Peterson 581-8361
althea.peterson@tulsaworld.com

Emergency kit checklist

Jumper cables

Cat litter or sand with shovel

Flashlight and batteries

Ice scraper

Winter clothes, including gloves and boots

Bottled water and energy bars

First aid kit

Cell phone with emergency numbers

Blankets

Tips for dealing with inclement weather ahead

THE HOARDER’S LIST

Here’s a list of items to grab off the shelves fast next time:

Wood matches

Diapers

Gasoline and a can to carry it in

‘‘C’’ and ‘‘D’’ cell batteries

Flashlights

Generators

Chain saws

Bottled water

Candles

Manual can openers

Ice

BEWARE! FROZEN PIPES AHEAD

With lower temperatures ahead, many unheated homes face the threat of frozen pipes. Here are some tips:

If your home has lead pipes and the water pressure is dropping with the temperature, let your faucets drip and open doors of cabinets under your sink.

If you think a pipe has frozen, turn off your house’s emergency shut-off valve and open the taps to relieve pressure on lines. Call a plumber. Sometimes pipes can be thawed before they burst and cause damage.

To learn more: tulsaworld.com/frozenpipes

WHEN IN DOUBT…

If your power has been out for more than two days, and you still haven’t cleaned out your refrigerator, it’s time.

Many freezer foods are safe during that 24- to 48-hour span, but after that, if you haven’t moved food to a cooler, or added dry ice to your refrigerator or freezer, it’s time to toss much of it.

Here are some pointers:

When in doubt, throw it out

If you’re uncomfortable saving something that appears to be safe, discard it. Any food or beverage that is discolored or has a strange smell should be tossed.

Look for ice crystals

When examining the contents of your freezer, if packaged foods have ice crystals and are cold to the touch, they are probably OK. The exception is with meats, which must be at a very cold temperature, as they would be when thawing in the refrigerator.

Outside isn’t always best

Many people are using their front porches and back decks as refrigerators. But just because the thermostat says 30 degrees, it doesn’t mean your milk is 30 degrees. Food stored outside must be kept out of any sunlight, and preferably in a cooler with ice.

Room temperature only lasts for so long

Nondairy salad dressings, condiments, juice bottles and fruits that you’ve taken out of the refrigerator and set at room temperature are fine for a few days. But as soon as you notice any unusual odors or textures, throw them out.

Throw these away now

• Dairy products that have exceeded 40 degrees for longer than 2 hours
• Opened cream-based condiments, such as ranch dressing, that have been at room temperature for more than a day
• Fruits and vegetables that have changed in color or odor
• All meats and seafood that are not cold to the touch
• Leftover, cooked food that has exceeded 40 degrees for longer than 2 hours