Winter is beautiful but stay safe
Snow makes everything so beautiful. White puffy pillows of snow on on trees limbs around a pristine field fresh snow is the stuff of Christmas cards. It beckons cross-country skiers to children with visions of towering snowman alike. But all the beauty hids dangers. Snow and ice on roof-tops can fail and fall suddenly, causing harm to anything or anyone underneath. Likewise, tree limbs overloaded with snow break. Daily freeze-thaw cycle can loosen rocks and boulders along trails and hillsides and rool onto trails and roadways. Many roads will be snow and ice covered due to colder temperatures at higher elevation and may not be safe for motorists. The bottomline is, even surrounded by the beauty of a snowy scene, visitors should use their common-sense and be safe.
Here are some tips suggested provided by the National Forests of North Carolina:
— Avoid traveling, no matter your mode, alone. If you must try alone, share your plans. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
— Know your limits and choose activities that are appropriate for your physical conditions and skills.
— Use appropriate tires and footwear.
— Adjust your speed to the conditions. If you think there might be ice on road or trail, act accordingly.
— Carry emergency kits with water, food, blanket, and matches.
— Bring extra clothing in case you get wet.
— The electric charge in batteries drain faster in cold weather so keep cellphone in a warm, dry place.
