Frigid Temperatures & Dangerous Weather Call for Special Measures

The Northeast region of the United States is experiencing extremely frigid weather to begin this New Year. Some are experiencing large amounts of snow, as well as ice, and a mixture of both snow and ice. Since all seem to be hitting the region at the same time, conditions are not looking to improve soon enough for the region. It looks to be more snow will be hitting the area Saturday evening lasting until Sunday morning. Lows are looking to be near 0 in the evening, and 10-18 degrees during the day . the temperatures looking to gradually increase as the week goes on. This is a prime example of how extremely frigid the temperature can get, & how snow, & ice play a huge impact on people during frigid times.

When frigid temperatures, and dangerous weather hit, not only do you have to worry about fuel costs, but you have to worry about your health, & well being. Some key points to remember when the weather becomes frigid are as follows:

Dress in layers to ensure warmth.

Cover your head with a warm hat.

Wrap with a scarf ensuring.

Wear a winter coat, not a spring coat, or wind breaker.

Be sure to wear socks, and covered shoes that are comfortable.

Stay hydrated.

Don't stay in extreme weather for extended periods of time unless you are prepared, prolonged outdoor recreation can lead to frost bite if not prepared.

Apply chapstick to lips to prevent chapping, and wind burn.

When driving during frigid weather some key points to remember are as follows:

Check battery, and fluids to ensure your vehicle is in proper working order.

Keep jumper cables, flares, and a Roadside emergency kit for extreme situations in your trunk.

Keep a blanket, and some extra clothes in the trunk in case you are stranded.

Invest in AAA (It's well worth it especially when needed during an emergency situation).

Check tire presure, and tread to ensure tires are in proper condition.

Check antifreeze.

Check wiper fluid.

When driving stay alert, and watch for stopped vehicles alongside the road that may be distressed.

When driving stay alert, and watch for extreme road conditions such as ice, or packed snow.

Drive at a decent speed based upon road condition.

Keep vehicle well fueled to ensure gas line doesnt freeze, and you don't run out of gas.

maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and pedestrians.

Remember, if you can't see when driving pull off the road clear out of traffic if possible, and put on your flashers until weather is more permittable. Also just because you have four wheel drive doesn't mean drive erraticly. Wheter front wheel, or four wheel drive when dangerous weather conditions exist you need to use wise judgement to ensure safety of not only yourself, but others as well.

These tips are just some of the common sense tips which can be used in order to prevent what can be a "Bad Situation". You, & your vehicle are just like a machine. Preventive maintenance is what keeps the machine running correctly, therefore if you use preventive maintenance you can prevent internal, & external breakdown.

Bundle up, Buckle Up & Have a safe winter season.