There’s nothing better than spending time with family over the holidays. Whether you’re wrapping presents, baking cookies or trimming the tree, we want you to enjoy these special moments with loved ones by staying focused on safety – at work and at home.

With the unpredictability of winter weather, FirstEnergy Utilities (FEU) employees must be prepared for any number of weather challenges. Field workers have been busy since September performing equipment inspections and maintenance designed to help ensure reliability when cold weather arrives. However, there are things that all employees can do to mitigate their exposure to injury.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Wearing the proper shoes can help you avoid slips, trips and falls – one of the most common injuries when ice and snow can make outside surfaces difficult to navigate. Make sure your footwear has adequate tread and provides good traction during inclement weather conditions.

Shoes with softer soles are better for slippery indoor conditions, while harder, more rugged cleat-like soles are preferred for outdoor use. Also, address icy spots immediately by spreading rock salt or ice melt around the area. If you are at a company location, report slick spots to Facilities personnel and warn coworkers to avoid the area.

Over the River and Through the Woods

Use a tire tread depth gauge to ensure your tires are ready for winter. If you don’t have a gauge, insert a penny into the tread – at multiple spots around each tire – with Abraham Lincoln’s head going in first. If the top of Lincoln’s head is overed by the tread, your tires are OK. If not, the tires should be replaced as soon as possible.

If you’re on the road during the holidays, keep in mind that driving conditions can change quickly when the temperature drops a few degrees, turning precipitation into ice and snow. Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination. Leave plenty of room when following a vehicle, and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers, slamming on the brakes or accelerating quickly.

Before leaving on your trip, ensure your vehicle is in good working order by checking tires for proper tread depth, inspecting windshield wiper blades for cracks or other signs of wear, and topping off windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze and oil. It’s also a good idea to pack an emergency road kit with a flashlight, a car charger for your cellphone, and first-aid supplies (see sidebar for a complete list).

Watch Out for Rudolph

Deer often can be spotted on and along roadways. They generally travel in herds, so if you see one, there’s a good chance that others are in the vicinity.

Deer are most active from 6 to 9 p.m. – so reduce your speed at night, particularly on rural roads. Pay attention to deer crossing signs and use your vehicle’s high-beam headlights to look for the eye-shine of deer near the edge of a road.

Whether you are working, participating in an outdoor activity or taking a road trip, the key to handling winter weather is preparation. Having the right gear and setting aside extra time when traveling can help keep you and your family safe.