The process of changing from rain to snow….
Hollywood, MD – The fall leaves are fading fast and old man winter is knocking on the door. The official first day of winter is not until Dec. 21, however, cold weather brings some amount of unpredictability. Rain mixed with falling temperatures can lead to dangerous roadways resulting in accidents and unfortunate fatalities. Here are some basic safety tips to remember:
If you must travel during a winter storm, store an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes: blankets, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, battery booster cables and flares, a tire repair kit and pump, a road map, a sack of cat litter (for tire traction), a tow rope, bottled water, and non-perishable high-energy foods such as granola bars, extra clothing to keep dry, and a windshield scraper and brush.
If driving on snow- or ice-covered roadways, reduce your speed. Driving at the regular speed limit will reduce your ability to control the car if you begin to slide. Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles. If conditions worsen and you can no longer drive safely, pull off the highway. Stay calm and remain in your vehicle. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.
Check out these clever tricks you can use to handle snow and ice:
Salt water solution – De-icer for steps and walkways
Table salt, rock salt, and sea salt are the same when it comes to melting ice. Table salt is expensive, but it will work in a pinch. In fact, a good idea is to put a 1/4 cup of table salt in a quart of water. Heat it until the salt is well dissolved. Pour it over your icy steps. It will melt the ice immediately and it won’t re-freeze as fast and leaves you with a layer of salt water that will keep your doorstep ice-free for longer than one day.
Floor Mats – Added road traction on snow and ice
Car stuck in snow or ice? No problem, take out your car floor mats, turn them upside down (so you don’t get tire rubber on the carpet) and place them under and in front of the drive wheels. Don’t forget your mats as you drive off.
Leaf-blow – For light snow
Get out your leaf-blower for the lighter snow. Instead of shoveling or sweeping.
Use Water Softener vs. Rock Salt – To melt ice and snow
Water softeners are cheaper that rock salt, and it’s 98.5 percent salt. So, instead of buying rock salt to melt the walkways when it snows, use water-softener. You can find it at Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Contact Shertina Mack s.mack@TheBayNet.com