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Snow
Shoveling Safety
Those of us who chose to live in the North Country generally love the
snow. Not only is it beautiful, but there are so many fun winter activities!
One necessary, but perhaps less fun, activity is shoveling the walk and
drive way. Here are some tips to help you clear the snow around your house
safety . . . taking care of your back and your heart. Go
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Source: SecurityWorld.com
General
Winter Safety Tips
Did you know that an inch or less of snow provides your car tires with
the least traction? For this reason, it's especially dangerous to drive
at the beginning of a snowfall. In addition to some rather common sense
admonishments, this website includes information on a winter safety kit
for your car. Go
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Source: WeatherEye.com
Winter
Safety "Fur" your Pets
Sure your pet may have his / her own fur coat, but in the North Country
temperatures in the winter frequently dip to the point of having severe
health implications for even the furriest pet. Go
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Source: Furr-angels.com
FEMA
Fact Sheet on Winter Storms
F.E.M.A. is the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This fact sheet on
winter storms is part of FEMA's stated goal to educate the public about
hazards (and is the result of your tax dollars at work!) Includes very
practical advice such as designating a family contact number out of state.
During emergencies (like the Ice Storm of 1998), calling long distance
often gets through when local calls don't. Go
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Source: FEMA.com
FEMA
Fact Sheet: Winter Driving
According to FEMA, the leading cause of winter deaths is transportation
accidents. The best idea is to avoid car travel during a winter storm.
Of course, that's not always possible. This site has information on winter
travel and what to do in case you are stranded on the road. Go
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Source: FEMA.com
Flu
Cases across the U.S.
Find out where you should avoid visiting! This national map shows you
the hotspots for new cases of flu. As of the end of December 2001, it
looks like Colorado is a place to avoid! Go
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Source: Weather.com
Flu Cases across NY & VT
Getting the Flu is no fun! The shakes and sniffles can knock you out of
action for many days. The best way to keep healthy this winter is to avoid
areas where the Flu is going around. Use these webpages to know when to
put off visiting your relatives in Winooski, VT or Champlain, NY. NY
State Flu Cases and cases in VT
Source: Weather.com
Distinguishing
Flu from Anthrax
It's unbelievable that anyone would need to know how to distinguish between
common Flu and the incredibly, extraordinarily rare Anthrax. There are
differences between flu and anthrax including the typical flu muscle aches.
While it is almost inconceivable that anthrax will affect anyone in the
North Country of NY and VT, reliable information is the best reassurance.
Go
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Source: ChamplainChannel.com
Flu
Facts
Are you likely to get Flu this winter? If you have children, the answer
is likely YES! Schools are the perfect environment for spreading flu!
Every year more than 100,000 people are hospitalized and 20,000 people
die from the flu and complications. There are also different strains of
flu that have different symptoms and severity. There are even more facts
on flu available at this website including information on how to try to
avoid getting sick. Go
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Source: Weather.com
When
is it the Flu, when is it a Cold?
We often use the terms synonymously, but they really are two separate
illnesses. This website tells you how to tell them apart and (more importantly)
gives you tips on how to avoid them both.
Go >>
Source: AD Clinic
Feeling SAD?
S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is psychiatric condition that is caused
by short hours of sunlight in the winter. While many people get the "Winter
Blues," that lethargic "I don't want to get out of bed, it's
still dark" feeling that is often accompanied by a couple of extra
pounds, SAD is more serious form of these feelings. People with SAD experience
a level of symptoms that make it difficult for them to function. This
website discusses SAD including symptoms and treatment options available.
Go
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Source: Northern County Psychiatric Associates,
Maryland
Winter Fire Hazards
As the temperature drops, the risk for house fires increase largely due
to the need to heat your house. Major sources of fire are from fireplace
and stove chimneys due to creosote build up. Carbon Monoxide is another
potential killer. This website identifies the major trouble spots and
reviews what you can do to protect your family.
Go >>
Source: Safety Network.com
Frost
Bite
Get to know the signs of frost bite -- the waxy, white looking skin
typically on the nose, ears and cheeks. Once you've been frost bitten
once, you will find that you are more vulnerable to it next time. The
solution is to protect your skin with clothes or with vaseline (greasy,
but it works). Go
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Source: Sussex County Online
Winter
Disaster Plan
Driving on the interstate, one still sees all of the broekn trees that
record that terrible ice-storm of three years ago. Many Vermonters and
New Yorkers rushed out after the storm to buy emergency supplies. But
with the passage of time, we are probably back to our old ways. Have a
look at these suggestions for a family disaster plan to be prepared again.
Go
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Source: Sussex County Online
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