General Winter Safety Information

Love it or hate it, the SNOW has arrived!

There are few more week until the Christmas break begin, the followings are some general winter safety information for you to be aware of.

• Keep ahead of advancing winter weather news especially emails from the university as the university might be closed if it happens to be heavy snow. Updates are available at www.port.ac.uk/snow as well.

• Check your food and stock an extra supply include food that requires no cooking in case of power failure. If there are infants or people who need special medication at home, make sure you have a supply of the proper food and medicine.

• Be careful when using fireplace, stoves or space heaters. Proper ventilation is essential to avoid a deadly build-up of carbon monoxide. Keep flammable material away from space heaters and do not overload electric circuits.

• Dress for the conditions when outdoors. Wear several layers of light-weight, warm cloth: layers can be removed to prevent perspiring and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, waterproof and hooded. Protect the extremities, such as the hands, feet and ears as they are the most susceptible to frostbite. Wear a hat as a large percentage of the body’s heat is lost through the top of the head.

• Working in cold weather puts a tremendous strain on the body, even for people in good shape, thus take frequent breaks and don’t overexert yourself.

For those who are driving during winter, be aware as follows:

• Plan your travel. Try not to travel alone and drive in convoy when possible.

• Drive carefully and defensively. Pump your breaks when trying to stop on snow or ice covered roads.

• Check the followings items before you drive: ignition system, cooling system, fuel system, battery, light, tires, heater, brakes, wipers, defroster, oil, and exhaust. Keep water out of your fuel tank by keeping it full.

• If you are travel often during winter, carry a winter storm kit in your car. It should include: flashlight, windshield scraper, paper towels, extra clothes, matches/candles, booster cables, compass, maps sand, chains, blankets, high calorie non-perishable food.