Snow and frost - Are you prepared?

Before
- It is wise to get the necessary equipment against snow and frost or check its condition: shovel and salt supplies are essential tools for your home or business.
- Pay attention to your car, which, in winter more than ever, must be ready to face snow and ice.
- Mount snow tires, recommended for winter travel in areas with low temperatures, or carry snow chains, preferably quick-fit.
- Do some trial fitting of chains; it's better to learn how to use them first than to find yourself in trouble under heavy snowfall.
- Check that there is antifreeze fluid in the radiator water.
- Check the condition of the battery and the efficiency of the wiper blades
- Don't forget to keep ignition cables, pliers, flashlight and work gloves in the car

During
- Check the load-bearing capacity of your building's roof (house, shed, or other structure). Accumulation of snow and ice could cause roof collapses.
- Take care to remove snow from your private access or driveway. Please don't throw it out into the street; you could get in the way of snow vehicles' work.
- Avoid using your car when it snows and leave it in the garage if you can. By decreasing traffic and the number of vehicles parked on roads and public areas, you will facilitate snow removal operations.
- If you are forced to take your car, follow these small rules:

•  Clear the car entirely and not just the windows of snow.
•  Keep your lights on to make yourself more visible on the road, maintain a low speed, and use low gears to avoid braking as much as possible. Instead, favor the use of engine braking.
•  Avoid sharp maneuvers and sudden turns.
•  Accelerate gently and increase the safety distance from the vehicle before you.
•  Remember that when going uphill, it is crucial to proceed without ever stopping. Once stopped, it is difficult to restart, and forcing your car to stop can impede the transit of other vehicles.
•  Park your car properly so that it does not obstruct the work of snow vehicles.
•  Pay special attention to snow slabs that can come off the roofs, especially in the thawing phase.
•  Do not use two-wheel vehicles.

After
- Remember that ice may form on roads and sidewalks after a snowfall. Pay attention to the road surface and drive with particular caution.
- If you are walking, carefully choose your shoes to avoid slips and falls and move cautiously.
- When winter is approaching, inform yourself about the developing weather situation by listening to the local or radio news.