Winter can be a wonderful time of year, but it can also present challenges and hazards. Cold weather and icy conditions can be especially treacherous. It's important to protect the safety of Town of Hempstead residents during this season. Planning for winter can help to avoid some of the hazards of the season. I would like to take this opportunity to share some winter safety tips.

Winterizing your car and equipping it with all- season tires, snow tires or chains is one of the easiest measures you can take to prevent trouble on roads. Limiting travel during inclement weather provides an added measure of safety for you and other motorists. In order to be able to avoid traveling during bad weather, it's a good idea to keep several days worth of food in stock so you don't have to go out shopping during ice and snow conditions.

Cold weather can bring about a wide variety of ailments. To avoid possible health problems, avoid over-exertion in the cold weather, try to limit the duration of time spent outside in the cold and dress warmly. In addition, keeping extra blankets on hand is a good idea in the event of heating system failure.

Home fires become a real danger in the winter as people often attempt to find additional ways to warm their homes. You can limit the dangers of fire by taking some precautions. It's important to not use the stove or oven to heat your house or apartment. Making sure that space heaters are at least three feet away from combustibles such as clothing, drapes or furniture is important to your safety. Additionally, these devices must be provided with adequate ventilation as prescribed in manufacturer's literature. It's important that outdoor camping equipment like kerosene lanterns or stoves not be used inside your home.

There are important heating numbers that may be useful to residents. HEAP (Home Emergency Assistance Program) - 565-HEAP (4327) is a program that helps low-income families pay heating bills. Tenants who have complaints about heat provided by their landlords can contact the Nassau County Department of Health at 571-3678. For a gas emergency, residents should call KeySpan at 1-800-490-0045 and for electric, residents should call LIPA at 1-800-490-0025.

While these may seem like simple, common sense ideas, they may save your life or that of a loved one. Please be aware of the dangers associated with winter and take care of yourself and your family this season.

For your free copy of Hempstead Town's Winter Safety Tips please call 812-3311.