Notice: Dallas Extreme Cold Warning – Staying Safe on the Roads
As record cold temperatures move into the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex today, it’s important that you be safe, on the roads and elsewhere. With temperatures dropping below zero, along with freezing rain, strong winds, and icy roads, these weather conditions can be quite dangerous. Additionally, thick fog and poor visibility often come with winter storms, making them even more hazardous.
Stay Off The Roads or Be Properly Prepared If You Must Go Outdoors
When facing extreme cold, it’s important to stay inside and avoid going out on the roads unless it’s really necessary. If the temperatures drop below freezing, try not to spend too much time outdoors, and keep an eye out for symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite. Poor visibility and dangerous road conditions can lead to accidents, and they might also cause car problems that could put you in a risky situation. It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car that includes winter clothing and essential supplies, just in case you need them.
5 Winter Weather Preparedness Tips
Proceed with caution. When you head outdoors, it’s important to watch out for ice, as it can lead to slips and falls for you or those around you. Instead of using rock salt on areas like sidewalks, steps, and driveways, opt for ice melt since rock salt doesn’t work well when temperatures drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. To improve grip, you might also want to spread some sand on your pathways. If you’re walking, take your time and move carefully by making small steps or shuffling your feet. Another good idea for staying safe in winter conditions is to wear a slip-on traction device over your shoes.
Bundle Up. If you need to go outside, it’s a good idea to put on several layers of loose clothing. The air trapped between each layer, like sweaters or coats, helps to keep your body heat from escaping, which keeps you warmer. Clothes made from wool are especially useful since they tend to hold in more heat compared to those made from cotton. Also, wearing synthetic materials like polypropylene can be helpful because they not only keep heat in but also pull moisture away from your skin.
Limit Physical Activity. It’s important to be cautious when clearing ice, sleet, or snow. Only do it if you really need to. Working hard in cold weather can put extra strain on your heart, which isn’t good for your health. If you have any heart issues or high blood pressure, make sure to listen to your doctor’s advice about whether it’s safe for you to be outside doing that kind of physical activity.
Check on family members and bring pets indoors. Older individuals also find it challenging to regulate their body heat. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check on your elderly family members and neighbors to ensure they’re warm enough. Additionally, to avoid frostbite and other dangers associated with cold weather, make sure not to leave your pets outside for longer than absolutely needed.
Protect your plumbing. When the temperature drops significantly, there’s a higher chance that your pipes will freeze and even burst. This can lead to messy and expensive water damage in your home. To help prevent this from happening, you should open the cabinets under your sinks and let a small stream of cool water run from your faucets. Additionally, insulating your pipes can provide extra protection against the cold.
Extreme Weather and Frostbite
Frostbite can occur even when the temperature is above freezing. This is because an object can be colder than the surrounding air, meaning that you might not feel like it’s too chilly outside, but you could still end up with frostbite. It’s important to remember that just because it doesn’t feel extremely cold doesn’t mean you’re safe from the risks of frostbite.
Frostbite mainly affects the hands and feet, making them the most vulnerable parts of the body in cold weather. To prevent frostbite, it’s crucial to wear gloves that are suitable for the current weather conditions. Using very thin gloves in extremely cold temperatures won’t provide the necessary protection against frostbite. Additionally, it’s essential to wear the right socks to ensure your feet stay dry and insulated when the temperature falls.
IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE EXTREME COLD, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.
