At Morici, Longo & Associates, we're not just dedicated to obtaining compensation for our clients when they've been wronged. We're also passionate about ensuring their safety – at work, on the road, and at home. With years of experience in personal injury and workers' compensation law, we've become well-versed in safety measures. That's why we've created this "Community Safety Forum" as a public service to keep you informed and safe.
Battling the Bitter Cold: Safety Tips for Chicago Winters
As the extreme cold weather sweeps across the Chicago area this week, it's essential to review how to stay safe on the roads, protect our homes, and care for our pets. We've compiled all this research, so you don't have to.
Emergency Preparedness: Your Winter Road Survival Kit
In the harsh winters of the Midwest, an emergency kit is crucial if you find yourself stranded on the road. This kit should include essentials like a cell phone charger, first-aid kit, blanket, flashlight, rags or paper towels, jumper cables, water, snacks (for both humans and pets), a traction aid (sand, salt, or cat litter), a tarp, raincoat, gloves, and a shovel.
Navigating Snowy Roads: Driving Safely in Winter Weather
When snow hits or temperatures plummet outdoors, it's best to stay inside. When venturing out is necessary, follow these steps to ensure safe driving:
- Keep your gas tank full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Refrain from passing snow plows.
- Avoid using cruise control in snowy conditions.
- Check your car battery, tires, and wiper blades before driving.
- Ensure your windshield wiper fluid is filled with fluid rated for -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Clear dirt, ice, and snow from all mirrors and windows before driving.
Home and Pet Safety: Protecting What Matters Most
When it's freezing outside, staying warm and safe is paramount. Here are some tips to help you and your pets weather the storm:
Dressing for the Cold: Dress appropriately to stay warm. Please see the following guide on how to dress during extreme cold.
Keeping Pets Safe: Pets can also suffer from hypothermia if left outside for too long. Protect them with these tips:
- Limit dogs' outdoor time to necessary bathroom breaks. Keep cats indoors.
- After walks, clean your pet's feet to remove ice, salt, and mud, and check for frostbite.
- Position your pet's bed away from doors and windows to keep them warm.
- Be aware of animal hypothermia symptoms, such as a weak pulse, dilated pupils, decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, and unconsciousness.
- Never leave your dog inside the car during extreme cold.
Protecting Your Home: Protecting your home from the cold is equally important. Here are some measures you can take:
- Keep your thermostat at a minimum of 65 degrees.
- Leave faucets dripping to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Clear driveways and sidewalks of snow or ice to prevent falls.
- Keep garage doors closed to avoid weather damage.
If a pipe bursts, turn off the water supply, dry and repair any water damage, and contact your homeowner's insurance professionals.
Contact the Personal Injury Attorneys at Morici, Longo & Associates for Help
Knowledge is power; we hope this information empowers you to stay safe this winter. Share these tips with your family and friends to ensure they are safe, too. If you, your friends, family, or co-workers have suffered from a personal injury at work due to the weather, please do not hesitate to speak to one of our experienced attorneys to consider your legal options. Morici, Longo & Associates can help you determine how to proceed after an injury, and our firm has many years of experience handling personal injury, worker's compensation, construction site injuries, automobile injuries, product liability, negligence, and nursing home negligence cases. Call (312) 779-0366 today to schedule a consultation.
Stay Safe,