With the sudden change of weather, it appears winter is just around the corner.

Winter is a beautiful time of the year; however, it can also be the most threatening time of the year if you don't follow some simple safety rules. Please review the following:

Winter driving kit:

A well-stocked winter driving kit makes life a lot easier when you absolutely need it. Here is one example:

• Properly fitting tire chains.

• Bag of sand (kitty litter works great).

• Snow shovel

• Ice scraper with a brush

• Jumper cables

• Warning devices such as flares

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Blanket

• Extra clothing

• First aid kit

• Emergency food and water. Food is a great thing to have if you're sitting in a snow bank for several hours.

• Matches and a couple of candles. It is surprising how well they can warn up the interior of a car.

• Cell phone for emergency help.

How should you drive in winter weather?

• Buckle up before you start driving.

• Slow down. Your speed should be based on the conditions of the road not the posted speed limit.

• Be alert. Moose, deer, are still present.

• Drive with your lights on so the person behind you can see your tail lights.

• Give your self extra time to drive from one location to another.

• Lengthen your following distance, that way you don't have to slam on your brakes; which will cause you to slide uncontrollably.

• Steer with smooth and precise movements. Changing lanes to fast or jerking your steering wheel can cause you to skid.

• If you are facing a white out (Extra heavy snow fall), pull off the road.

What to do if you get stuck or stranded in the snow:

• Don't panic.

• Avoid over-exertion. Sweaty clothes next to the skin are not good insulators against the cold.

• Stay in the car if you can not shovel your car out of the snow.

• Stay in the car in blizzard conditions. Wait until it passed.

• Turn on your emergency flashers and set up your flares. A flag on your antenna helps tell others you need help.

• Run your car 10 minutes every hour to provide heat in the car. Your gas will last longer.

• Never let your gas tank get below a half of a tank before you fill up.

n Bundle up in a blanket. Snuggle up if there are two of you, both of you will stay warm by sharing body heat.

• Wear a hat - the head is a major source of heat loss from the body.

n Do not fall asleep. If there is more than one person in the car, take turns sleeping.

• Watch for traffic or rescuers.

In a closing note, I'll share with you a rule that I try to follow, "prior planning prevents poor perfomance." If you think about it, you'll see that it's a good one. I hope you all enjoy our winter wonder land.

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Last week I wrote an article warning folks about the use of cell phone while refueling vehicles. Apparently my source information was incorrect. Cell phones don't not cause electrical fires when fueling vehicles; however, there is evidence that static electricity does. For more information concerning this topic please go to www.pei.org/static. Note: It was not my intent to mislead or provide disinformation on this topic. I apologize and stand corrected for my error.

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If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do? For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.