21 Winter Cottage Safety Tips

Here are several things to keep in mind as we head into the snowy season, to help keep you and your family safe while you enjoy cottage fun this winter

   1. Lock your doors and windows ― even if you’re leaving the cottage for a short period.

   2. If you’re away for long period of time, alert the neighbours, hire a snow removal service and install automatic light timers.

   3. If you plan on shovelling snow yourself, dress warmly, take plenty of breaks ― it’s easy to dangerously overdo it.

   4. Keep space heaters far away from anything flammable.

   5. Steer children and pets clear of space heaters.

   6. Install smoke alarms near every sleeping area and on every storey of your cottage. Be sure to test them.

   7. Install working carbon monoxide detectors.

   8. Check the weather and modify your outdoor activity if it calls for extreme low temperatures or wind chill.

   9. The sun can reflect strongly off the snow, so wear sunscreen and/or protective clothing.

  10. Children must be supervised around large icy areas.

  11. Ask the local police department and/or knowledgeable people in the area if the ice in your area is safe for skating and play.

  12. Inspect the ice, frozen lakes or rivers yourself before allowing children near them, and exercise extreme caution.

  13. When operating a snowmobile on ice, keep it moving until you reach the shore to avoid dangers of slushy spots.

  14. If you must snowmobile at night, be aware that holes in the ice are difficult to illuminate at high speeds. Use extreme caution.

  15. If anyone falls into the ice, get help immediately, even if the victim seems okay.

  16. Make sure that fireplaces are shielded by a good screen to avoid dangerous sparks and to protect children and pets.

  17. Drive safely: buckle your seatbelts; if you’re driving, avoid all alcoholic beverages, and encourage friends and family to do the same.

  18. Be diligent about filling your car with gas so that you don’t run out should you be stuck in the snow for a length of time.

  19. Make sure to drive with a well-charged mobile phone.

  20. Know your route. When driving in bad conditions, you don’t want to get lost, so ensure your driving route is well planned out.

  21. Drive Slowly. Black ice can be lurking around any corner and can cause your car to slide without notice. Even if the conditions look clear, be wary of the ice.
 

 Courtesy of Cottagecountry.com