In most parts of the country, winter means more than pretty snow and holidays. Safety becomes an issue we should all be sure to keep in mind when planning our activities and travel. There are slippery roads, blinding snowstorms and dangerously cold temperatures to consider, as well. This winter, we want all the members of our community and your families to be safe, so here are some suggestions to help you have an accident-free winter season.

Traveling by car is something most of us need to do on a daily basis. Unfortunately, this is where many accidents occur. Slick roads covered in snow and ice can cause even the best driver to lose control of their car. It is important to keep your eye on the traffic around you and drive at a slower speed to account for the extra space required to stop on icy roads. Keep your car filled with gas and carry some water and extra blankets just in case you are stuck on the side of the road. Cell phones are also important this time of year. Keep your battery charged and make sure your phone list includes your insurance company and any emergency contacts you might need. Make sure you watch the weather report before you take a road trip and be aware of the weather between your home and destination. Being prepared for any possible situation will help you in case of an emergency. For even more helpful hints to keep you safe while traveling by car this winter, check out the FEMA: Winter Safety Tips page, and for great tips on how to keep kids safe during winter travel, check out the Hotel Fun 4 Kids site.

Special considerations have to be taken into account for your kids, too. Children love to play in the snow, there are all those tempting ornaments on the tree, extra cords plugged into outlets, candles for ambiance and don’t forget all the foods left out during those parties. If the proper precautions are taken, none of these things will be a problem. However, it is easy to become distracted with all the events happening during the weeks around the holidays and accidents can happen! Make sure you are aware of how long your kids have been outside playing and make them come in often for breaks to warm up. Keep all skin covered, and be sure they are dressed appropriately for the activities in which they are involved. Once the decorations go up, make sure you keep anything easily broken or with small pieces up out of the reach of small children. And do not forget to keep all your plugs covered when not in use and make sure any extension cords being used or candles burning are not in danger of starting a fire. When you make that yummy rum punch and spiked eggnog for your holiday party, it is important to make sure the children do not mistakenly drink it, too. Adults know how they feel after enjoying a few cups of the tasty drinks. Our children will feel even worse because their little bodies cannot tolerate alcohol. Keep the drinks up where only adults will be able to partake in them and everyone will enjoy the night even more. Also, be sure to keep perishable items cold so no one will get food poisoning. Christmas morning should be spent around the Christmas tree, not on the floor in the bathroom moaning in pain. For more helpful ideas on how to keep your children safe during the holidays, check out these Safety Tips from Keep Kids Healthy.

Children are not the only members of our family we need to take special care to watch during the winter. Seniors and pets are also at risk during the cold months. Make sure you check in daily with any senior citizens in your life, and even those who live in your neighborhood, to make sure they are doing OK. And keep an eye on your pet while they are outside, especially those that live outside year-round. Keeping warm is important to all living creatures at this time of year, and we want to ensure that everyone you love—furry or not—remains safe. For great ideas on how to keep the elder family members safe, check out this site for Winter Safety Tips for Seniors and for our furry friends, here is a site with ideas for Winter Safety For Pets.

Winter storms can affect us all and we need to make sure we remain aware of the weather in store for our area and be prepared for anything coming our way. Keeping extra "ready to eat" food and water in the house in case of power loss is a great idea. Also, make sure your flashlights have fresh batteries and, if you have a fireplace, keep plenty of wood stocked to keep you warm. Make sure you know where all your blankets are and dress in layers for warmth. Having a corded phone is an excellent idea, because cordless phones require electricity to work. Being prepared is the key. For more ideas on what to do in case of a winter storm with power outage, check out the Red Cross: Winter Storm Preparation page.

We hope that each of you have a safe and happy winter season!

~Julie wife and SAHM. She is not a fan of winter weather and would much prefer to stay inside (or travel to a warmer place) during this time of year. She hopes you all stay safe this winter and every winter!