7 Hidden Hazards of Winter

While the holiday season and Christmas are a joyous time of the year, as the cold draws in, it can catch you by surprise. Additionally, it brings with it inherent risks. Most are obvious, such as snowstorms and rain. Yet, there are many hidden hazards of winter that can wreak havoc on an unsuspecting individual or family. Here are some of the dangers you need to look for.

Black Ice

It’s a common misconception that black ice is frozen oil, which is why it is so slippy. This isn’t surprising since most black ice forms on roads, but it isn’t oil at all. It’s also not black, it’s clear. It appears black because you can see through it. Black ice forms a thin glaze on a suitable surface, i.e., a road, and is highly slippery. Black ice is hazardous because tires won’t grip it, and brakes don’t work. Black ice can form naturally or be created by careless use of water in winter. In this case, consult a law firm like Mitch Grissim and Associates for legal compensation.

Crosswinds

While it’s not recommended to drive in hazardous conditions, it is sometimes necessary. Also, the weather in most colder places can change at the drop of a hat. A whiteout can blindside you in no time at all, and dangerous hailstones can fall from the sky. These are visible and somewhat predictable. But you can’t see or know from where a crosswind will come. A crosswind is a sudden gust of air that forces your vehicle out of a lane. This is clearly an extreme danger. Fortunately, you can install winter tires for protection, and some new models of cars use AI for crosswind assistance. However, be aware that crosswinds may feel exaggerated with brand new tires.

Damaged Drainage

Your home is your castle, yet as strong or safe as a home is, it isn’t impervious to the effects of extreme weather. One of the most critical components of a home is guttering. Your guttering provides the means of draining excess water from your house. Unfortunately, winter brings obstacles such as ice blocks, thick snow, and frozen debris that can block your drains. A blocked guttering system causes numerous hazards to your home. Some of the most common include mold, damp, rotted wood, and foundation problems. All of these are extreme health hazards.

The Cold Itself

Of course, not all winter issues occur outside. The cold itself can come inside and affect your personal health. And the effects are usually invisible until it is too late. Frostbite and hypothermia are genuine conditions that can happen if your home becomes too cold for you to venture outside of treacherous conditions. The risk of flu is also significantly increased, and the effects are exacerbated in lower temperatures. It’s unlikely your home will become cold enough for these severe problems, but you should heat at least one room adequately where everyone can stay warm.

Increased Expenses

Trying to keep your home warm enough during the winter will become more expensive. The global wholesale price of gas recently increased significantly. This cost is passed to the consumer. So much so that in the UK alone, studies show that 70% of Brits choose to layer up rather than paying the exorbitant heating costs this year. However, simply wrapping in more layers might not be the best solution for everyone. While it will help while watching TV or lying in bed, you may need to move around your home. Also, given Covid-19, it’s possible you need to work from home. So, be aware that the cost of heating during winter can be a sucker punch.

Carbon Monoxide

For most, home heating is provided by gas-burning boilers. Burning gas in this way creates carbon monoxide. If your boiler is older or faulty, it might not disperse carbon monoxide adequately. Increased usage over winter means a higher risk of your boiler breaking down. This is concerning since carbon monoxide is fatal, even in small amounts. Even more concerning is it is undetectable since it is an odorless gas. Therefore you could be breathing it in and not know it. Fortunately, you can install a low-cost carbon monoxide monitor that could save lives.

Depression and Anxiety

Further to invisible hazards, depression and anxiety increase during winter. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a recognized condition where you may react to the changing of the seasons. It is more potent when weather changes from warm to cold and the days become shorter and darker than brighter and more prolonged. Depression and anxiety brought on by SAD can make it difficult for you to function correctly during the winter. Symptoms include fatigue, suicidal thoughts, not wanting to leave your home. However, some people have had success with a SAD lamp which alleviates the issues associated with it.