cleaning tips and tools: It's time to prepare for the winter: The Michigan State Police provide advice

11.07.2019

It's time to prepare for the winter: The Michigan State Police provide advice

LANSING, MI - It's officially only 44 days later winter, but do not try to tell Mother Nature about it.

Most of Michigan has received the first snowfall of the season this week, and snow and cold require additional safety measures. The Michigan State Police have provided residents with a list of winter tips during the Winter Hazard Awareness Week, November 3-9.

"Winter is here and the cold weather creates health and safety issues related to cold, cooling hoses, propane leaks and power outages," said Captain Emmitt McGowan, Deputy Managing Director. Emergency and national security and commander of the MSP. / EMHSD. "The Michiganers should now take additional steps to be better prepared for the winter months."

You probably already knew that you needed to clean the gutters before the winter, but did you know that draining the storm should also be rid of dirt? Does your vehicle's emergency equipment not only contain starter cables and a windshield scraper, but also non-perishable food and mineral water? Below are additional MSP tips for preparing vehicles and winter homes.

Here are some tips for preparing the houses for the winter:

Protect yourself from the cold by attaching weather strips and sealing and insulating walls, doors and windows.
Prevent the pipes from freezing by isolating the water pipes running on the outside walls.
Propane gas users should now set a rate and have a replacement heating plan in case of a shortage. The backup heater may include a generator, a wood burning stove or a fireplace.
Gas and oil stoves should be inspected by a qualified professional. The air filter must be changed every two to four months.
Chimneys and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected. Local fire brigades can give the inspectors hints.
Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors that work with batteries near sleeping areas. CO poisoning occurs more frequently in winter when ovens are turned on and in the event of power failure, portable generators are often used to generate electricity.
Prevent frost damage to the roof and gutters by cleaning the gutters.
The rainwater channels along the sidewalks should be cleaned so that the water can escape so that it does not accumulate in low areas and cellars.
Pack an emergency kit at home. It should contain water, non-perishable food, first-aid kit, batteries, radio or battery-powered radio, flashlights or flashlights, blankets and warm clothing.

Here are some tips for preparing the vehicles in winter:

During winter storms, ensure visibility by replacing the windscreen wipers and filling the windscreen washer fluid.
Have the radiator system repaired.
Replace worn tires.
Check the tire pressure regularly.
Have brakes, brake fluid, oil, car battery, heater and exhaust checked.
Keep an emergency kit in the vehicle. Batteries, battery operated radio, flashlight, windshield scraper, starter cable, cell phone charger, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and mineral water must be provided.

For more tips, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow the MSP / EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS .

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