Crime prevention tip of the week
Winter seems to have settled in so
lets discuss some winter car safety.
With a little luck you understand
how to move your vehicle around
in the winter. Things like steering
into the skid, slowing down, leaving
more room between you and the
vehicle ahead of you and leaving
extra time to complete your journey
should have been covered by the
person who taught you to drive.
I have some other things to point out:
Clear all the snow off your vehicle
There are two reasons for this; you need to see where you are going without anything sliding down the windshield blocking your line of sight and others don’t want to be in a snow storm blowing off you vehicle onto theirs.
Start and run your vehicle regularly to keep the battery fully charged and the lubricants moving
This is especially important if you leave your vehicle in the driveway and walk to school.
Keep the gas level at no less than a quarter tank
This prevents any condensation from entering the gas line in your vehicle.
Dress appropriately
If you are going out dressed up make sure you take your heavy winter coat with you in case the vehicle breaks down.
Emergency kit
You should have an emergency kit in your vehicle, not just in winter. The emergency kit should contain:
• A small first aid kit.
• A working flashlight; I recommend you get one that you crank to make it work as it won’t die from the cold or heat.
• Some water and take it when you leave the warmth. If it freezes it will melt if left on the dash on a sunny day.
• Some light snacks like a power bar or granola bar.
• A pack of hard candy, for a sugar rush.
• Wool blankets, not fleece, which is cozy, but wool, which will keep you, warm even if it is wet.
• Emergency flares. They will not disappear in a snowstorm like a reflector can.
• Car charger for your cell phone.
• A re-charging stick for your cell phone so it can be charged if the vehicle is dead.
• Jumper cables. The vehicle you get started may be yours.
• Empty (new) gas can. They can loan you one at the kiosk where you get your gas and the gas can you buy at a big box store will be way cheaper than the one they sell at the gas station.
Remember to take some extra time to get where you are going. Stay calm and drive on.
If you have questions about this or any other crime prevention concerns please feel free to contact Steve Hartwick with Campus Security Services either by phone at 519-452-4430 ext. 4929 or e-mail at shartwick@fanshawec.ca.
I have some other things to point out:
Clear all the snow off your vehicle
There are two reasons for this; you need to see where you are going without anything sliding down the windshield blocking your line of sight and others don’t want to be in a snow storm blowing off you vehicle onto theirs.
Start and run your vehicle regularly to keep the battery fully charged and the lubricants moving
This is especially important if you leave your vehicle in the driveway and walk to school.
Keep the gas level at no less than a quarter tank
This prevents any condensation from entering the gas line in your vehicle.
Dress appropriately
If you are going out dressed up make sure you take your heavy winter coat with you in case the vehicle breaks down.
Emergency kit
You should have an emergency kit in your vehicle, not just in winter. The emergency kit should contain:
• A small first aid kit.
• A working flashlight; I recommend you get one that you crank to make it work as it won’t die from the cold or heat.
• Some water and take it when you leave the warmth. If it freezes it will melt if left on the dash on a sunny day.
• Some light snacks like a power bar or granola bar.
• A pack of hard candy, for a sugar rush.
• Wool blankets, not fleece, which is cozy, but wool, which will keep you, warm even if it is wet.
• Emergency flares. They will not disappear in a snowstorm like a reflector can.
• Car charger for your cell phone.
• A re-charging stick for your cell phone so it can be charged if the vehicle is dead.
• Jumper cables. The vehicle you get started may be yours.
• Empty (new) gas can. They can loan you one at the kiosk where you get your gas and the gas can you buy at a big box store will be way cheaper than the one they sell at the gas station.
Remember to take some extra time to get where you are going. Stay calm and drive on.
If you have questions about this or any other crime prevention concerns please feel free to contact Steve Hartwick with Campus Security Services either by phone at 519-452-4430 ext. 4929 or e-mail at shartwick@fanshawec.ca.
