LWCC, Louisiana’s largest workers compensation provider, is alerting employers and residents of the dangers cold weather poses ahead of the arctic blast that is forecast early next week.
Keep in mind these tips to stay safe in severe weather:
- Reduce the risk for injury on the job – During or after severe weather, employees may be called upon to do work that is outside of their normal scope. Ensure the employee is physically able to do the task and educated on best practices.
- Keep employees safe and informed – Give employees as much information as possible - including scheduling, if the business will remain open, who will remain on site and how to handle injuries. Provide updated contact information and an accurate evacuation plan for any employees remaining on site during severe weather.
- Stock up - Stock your pantry with enough food and supplies to last at least three days. This includes shelf-stable food items and bottled water, which you may need if you lose power or water pressure.
- Spot check supplies and smoke detectors - Check the batteries in flashlights and in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Even hard-wired detectors may have battery backups that need to be changed. Gather blankets, a first aid kit and medications. Fill any medications, including over the counter medications, you may need during the frigid weather.
- Protect pipes - Wrap exposed exterior pipes and secure coverage over exterior faucets. Keep your sink cabinets open to circulate warm air and allow a slow drip during below freezing temperatures to prevent freezing. Be sure to only allow your faucet to drip during hard freezes to avoid overconsumption.
- Gas up or charge vehicles and check tires – Cold air can leave tire pressures low. Check tire pressures ahead of the cold weather and refill if they are low to avoid having a flat during the severe weather. Batteries can also lose power faster in cold weather, so keep that in mind if driving an EV. Avoid driving, but if you have to be on the road, pack an emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight and a phone charger.
- Stay informed – Monitor your local news and weather updates and warnings. Sign up for municipal emergency alerts through apps or text notifications.
- Power smart - Charge all devices and have a backup power source, such as a generator or battery bank. Avoid using open-flame heaters indoors and keep generators outside, away from garages, carports, windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Know fire risks - Use space heaters only on flat, non-flammable surfaces, and keep them away from curtains, furniture, or other flammable materials. Turn space heaters off when you leave the room. Never use stoves or ovens for heating.
- Protect animals - Bring pets indoors. Livestock should be able to access dry bedding, windbreakers, and unfrozen water.
By following these 10 simple tips, you can help ensure safety during unusually cold temperatures. And remember, LWCC's Safety Services Team is available to help with safety questions and concerns. Stay warm; stay prepared.
About LWCC
LWCC is a Champion of Louisiana and proud to be headquartered in the state capital, Baton Rouge. As a model private mutual workers’ comp company, we are dedicated to excellence in execution from underwriting to compassionate care of injured workers. We are proud to partner with our agents and together deliver outstanding service to our policyholders and their workers. Louisiana Loyal, a movement we launched and continue to lead to celebrate and elevate Louisiana, drives us in pursuit of our purpose to help Louisiana thrive by bettering our state one business and one worker at a time. LWCC has been consistently recognized by industry leaders and named to the Ward’s 50® group of top-performing insurance companies, supporting our promise to provide safety, security, and stability to businesses in Louisiana. For more information on LWCC, its services, and its efforts to elevate Louisiana, please visit www.lwcc.com
Media Contacts:
Kelly Bienn Kelly.Bienn@lwcc.com 225-930-0409
Ava McCall amccall@tegpr.com 504-442-5424
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