Hypothermia occurs when more heat escapes from your body than your body can produce. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia may include gradual loss of mental and physical abilities. Severe hypothermia can lead to death.

Every fall and winter, windstorms cause extensive damage, including the loss of electricity throughout the Pacific Northwest. By taking action now, you can save lives and reduce the damage caused by windstorms and other weather-related hazards.

With energy prices on the rise, consumers are turning to alternative heating sources to keep their homes warm this winter. Sales figures show a significant increase in demand for wood pellet stoves, and it is likely there will also be renewed interest in space heaters, fireplaces and other devices. With that in mind, the Institute for Business & Home Safety offers the following safety information.

Winter storms can range from moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with blinding, wind-driven snow or freezing rain that lasts several days. The time to prepare is before the snow falls or ice forms.

As if slippery sidewalks and snow-covered cars aren't bad enough during the winter, you face another potential headache: ruined carpets and water damage to your ceilings and walls from leaks caused by ice dams or bursting pipes. You can avoid the resulting aggravation and expense by taking several basic steps right now to prevent this kind of damage.

Homebuilders in the South often do not consider the threat of freezing weather and thus place water pipes in vulnerable locations.