Winter Preparedness Safety Checklist

A big thank you to our resident Safety Pro, John Meola, for providing us with the nucleus of this article!

Whenever there is a heavy snow/extreme cold advisory, it can be very helpful to have a comprehensive checklist on-hand to help make sure you’re ready for whatever winter has in store. We suggest you start with the following guidelines and add to them to fit your specific situation.

If you have ideas for things that should be added to this list, please use the comments window at the bottom of the page to suggest their addition.

— Stock up on consumables, including dairy, perishables, grocery, bread, canned foods, and other easy-to-prepare items. Remember, foods like frozen pizza will need microwave & power…. — Top off fuel & gas tanks; keep the stove wood dry. Plan for temporary power outage in rural areas susceptible to isolated power failure. This is typically more of a nuisance than a catastrophe. — While you’re at it, check the chain saw, fuel mix, etc. — Pick up spare batteries as needed, phone charger power supply, flashlights, etc. — Use appropriate caution if the power goes out and you are planning to use kerosene or alternate heat sources. These have been known to cause issues from improper venting of fumes or causing fire. Extra caution with any open flame devices, candles, lanterns, etc. — Check your smoke alarms. A CO2 detector is also recommended if you want extra security. — Get your snow shovels ready. And a good broom. — Keep walkways and entry ways clear as best as possible. — Portable generator safety:

• Make sure you have proper ventilation for exhaust.
• Do not run generators indoors.
• Keep fuel away from heat sources.
• Keep extinguisher handy.
• Shut down to refuel.
• Use a funnel to prevent spillage.
• Keep away from hot exhaust pipe and hardware.
• Supervise children.
• Sleep with one eye open when something is running on your home turf.

— Defensive Driving:

• Add weight to your rig, 4-wheel drive machines included
• Carry sand in buckets or bags – it can also be used for traction if needed.
• Other weight could be firewood, heavy tools, lumber, etc.

If you become stuck in heavy snow….. remember these safety reminders:

• If you need to run the engine for HEAT, make sure your tailpipe is clear, not blocked by snow.
• Remember: Exhaust gas can accumulate under the rig and seep into cab.
• Keep a window partially open to allow air exchange.
• Get out periodically to change the air in cab, walk around & clear the snow from tailpipe.

— In severe snow events, be alert for stuck, stranded, abandoned vehicles in travel lanes or on shoulders.

Vehicle Preparedness:

• Carry a grab bag of stuff in your rig – shovels, tow chain/straps/rope, bottled water, slim-jims, chocolate, munchies, spare change of clothes for extended duty cycles.
• Dry socks; spare gloves.
• Check all your running lights – make sure they are all operable.
• Check under the hood – fluid levels, belts, running gear, etc.

Driving Safely in SNOW

A lot of drivers are clueless about driving in snow/ice. This is why a lot of high-dollar SUV’s end up on barrier walls and in ditches as soon as the road gets slick. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM OTHER VEHICLES. At all speeds, all roads.

• Moderate your speed for road conditions. Remember that bridges will ice up before the pavement. Use appropriate caution.
• When changing lanes in snow/slush/ice, make a very gradual change. A lot of spin-outs occur when drivers change lanes to pass and end up with two wheels in slush, causing spin out. This is very hard to recover from.
• Increase your following distance. This can be frustrating when the guy ahead of you is creeping along at 7 mph. and you want to get past him.
• MAKE SURE THEY SEE YOU – this is one of the 5 keys to defensive driving – which is why we have all those LED lights. Use them. Make sure other drivers see you and allow you to pass. They may be impaired or have obscure windows.
• Clear your rig of ice/snow.
• Check wipers and washer fluid.
• Clean mirrors and glass.
• Clean headlight and brake lights/directional signals. Road salt and spray will cause impaired visibility.
• Carry paper towels along with a snow brush- clean the lenses as needed.
• Keep your distance around plows and spreaders. The last thing they need is to be crowded by a four-wheeler.
• Watch your step getting in & out of the rig. This is when a lot of slip & falls occur.
• In extreme cold & snow/ice, make sure your wheel wells stay clear. Build up of ice can cause a blockage of turning radius. Use shovel or pole to knock ice blocks loose from wheel wells, particularly before parking overnight.
• Test your brakes before moving out. Pads can freeze. Good practice is to lightly drag the brakes for a bit to dry them off before parking overnight.
• Turn OFF wipers before shutting down. Or lift them off the glass so they do not freeze.
• Use windshield treatment to prevent ice adhering to glass.
• Extreme cold – Spray the door seals with WD-40 to prevent freeze up.

— Keep track of your brethren, on the road and on the job. Check in periodically to confirm your location. If you end up in a ditch upside down, we need to know where to start looking. — Avoid over-exertion when shoveling snow. Take rest breaks, pace yourself. — Stay hydrated. Avoid energy drinks. — Salt Sites, plow trucks, loading: stay away from moving machinery. Allow sufficient room for turning and backing vehicles. Assign a spotter if needed. Remember your VOSH Reverse Signal (Safe Backing) training. — Avoid climbing onto dump beds. Use proper tools, ladders or other safe means to access elevated locations.

— Remember your Machine Operator Safety Training if you need to run a loader.

• Wear your seat belt on the machine.
• Be alert for slippery slopes and anywhere there is not much level ground.
• Use wheel chocks or otherwise positive means to stop the rig on a hill.
• Remember we just talked about making SURE you are in PARK with brake set before exiting vehicle. Take NO chances.

Equipment Operators: be aware of your surroundings especially if you need to BACK UP! Persons on the ground: Use full body high visibility apparel, warning lights; cap mounted work lights; flashlights. Do NOT assume other drivers can see you on the ground, day or night. Fortunately, most snow events are nuisance level. Occasionally a heavy snowfall will caused disruption, but with a little planning it’s survivable. Remember to check on your neighbors and co-workers. Provide for the kids, pets, elderly. Get proper rest. Finally… Pray for warmer weather to set in!