Stay Warm with Home Heating Safety
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February. So now is the time to make sure your home heating device is safe, before the weather turns bitter cold. Follow these USFA heating tips to maintain a fire safe home this winter:
For more information on how to keep specific heating devices safe, such as a furnace, space heater, kerosene heater, fireplace or wood stove, visit the USFA’s Heating Fire Safety page.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February. So now is the time to make sure your home heating device is safe, before the weather turns bitter cold. Follow these USFA heating tips to maintain a fire safe home this winter:
- Keep anything that can burn at least three (3) feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
- Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
For more information on how to keep specific heating devices safe, such as a furnace, space heater, kerosene heater, fireplace or wood stove, visit the USFA’s Heating Fire Safety page.
Keep Your Cold and Flu Germs to Yourself
It is estimated that one billion colds are caught annually in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population catches the flu annually as well. The flu season in the U.S. typically ranges from November to April. While it is a myth that cold temperatures cause colds, it is true that cold weather keeps people indoors, making exposure more likely.
Here are some tips to help you avoid colds and the flu: • Clean and wipe down shared surfaces such as countertops, keyboards and phones. • Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, and wash hands thoroughly and often. • Get a flu shot if possible (it is most important for children and the elderly). • Eat healthy foods to strengthen your immune system. • Exercise moderately to maintain a healthy immune system. • Ask your doctor about vitamin supplements to help support your immune system. • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. • Get plenty of rest. • Try to avoid people who are sick, and know when to stay home if you become sick. Flu Symptoms • High fever 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit • Headache • Extreme fatigue • Dry cough and sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Muscle aches • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Cold Symptoms • Sore throat • Cough, chest discomfort • Mild fatigue • Fever and headache are rare • Runny nose Source: National Safety Council
|
Complication of the Flu
Usually children and the elderly, or people with certain health conditions, are at risk for serious flu complications. Complications may include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children may develop sinus problems and ear infections. Stop the Spread of Germs Germs are spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people can become infected by touching something contaminated by germs. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. To prevent the spread of germs, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Use tissues when you sneeze or if you have the sniffles. If tissues aren’t available, sneeze into your sleeve – it is another great weapon against germs. But don’t just throw tissues on the floor to pick up later; toss them in the trash and wash your hands frequently. Any kind of soap is effective in removing germs if you vigorously rub your hands together under running water for at least 15-30 seconds. To work or not to work Cold and flu are the most common contagious diseases in the workplace. But should you go to work sick or stay home? There are few hard and fast rules to help you decide. Health experts and HR professionals say personal judgment and common sense should be your guide. You should stay home if you have a fever because you are probably the most contagious at that time, or if you cannot control your sneezing and coughing. |
When in doubt, call your physician. And don’t overtax your immune system by going to work if you’re really suffering. Common colds can become more serious bacterial infections such as sinusitis, and influenza can turn into pneumonia.
If you decide to work and treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medications, check the label and ingredients, and talk to your pharmacist. Some cold and flu medicines (with antihistamines) can make you drowsy, and that can be dangerous when you drive a vehicle or work around any kind of machinery. Other over-the-counter medications can negatively react with maintenance medications you take regularly. It’s your decision Most companies have formal sick day or attendance policies. HR professionals say that supervisors have the right and responsibility to tactfully and privately tell an obviously sick employee to go home, if necessary. The ultimate decision rests with the individual worker. Most employers expect their workers to use common sense and courtesy and stay home when they are very sick. |
Cold weather can be dangerous for anyone who enjoys outdoor winter sports, and people who work outdoors during winter must be particularly mindful of the risks.
Before venturing outside in winter, be sure to:
Superficial frostbite affects the skin surface, while the underlying tissue remains soft. The skin appears white, waxy or grayish-yellow and is cold and numb. If the condition is allowed to progress to deep frostbite, all layers of the skin are affected and the outcome likely will be more serious. The skin will become completely numb, blisters may form and eventually the skin tissue dies and turns black. If you suspect frostbite:
|
Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below 95 degrees. Severe shivering, one of the first signs of hypothermia, is beneficial in keeping the body warm. But as hypothermia progresses, shivering gives way to drowsiness or exhaustion, confusion, shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, loss of coordination and, eventually, unconsciousness and even death.
In one of the most bizarre symptoms of hypothermia, "paradoxical undressing," a person actually undresses instead of bundling up. Researchers believe that in the final throes of hypothermia, a person may feel like he or she is overheating due to a rush of warm blood to the extremities.
So what should you do if you encounter someone suffering from hypothermia?
Source: National Safety Council
In one of the most bizarre symptoms of hypothermia, "paradoxical undressing," a person actually undresses instead of bundling up. Researchers believe that in the final throes of hypothermia, a person may feel like he or she is overheating due to a rush of warm blood to the extremities.
So what should you do if you encounter someone suffering from hypothermia?
- Move the victim inside and remove any wet clothing
- Call for medical attention
- Add blankets, pillows, towels or newspapers beneath and around the victim
- Cover the victim's head
- Handle the victim gently to avoid cardiac arrest
- Keep the victim in a horizontal position
- If necessary, give CPR
Source: National Safety Council
Know the Dangers of Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning Reduce the risk • Maintain and tune up devices that produce carbon monoxide • Never use small gas-powered engines in enclosed spaces • Keep work areas well ventilated • Install carbon dioxide monitors and alarms Signs of poisoning • Headaches, fatigue and weakness • Dizziness and nausea • Shortness of breath • Vomiting • Heart palpitations • Convulsions An average of 166 people die each year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Thousands more end up in hospital emergency rooms. |