Most Arizonans are not typically used to frigid winters, especially ones were the temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

This winter came along swiftly — two weeks ago, temperatures were in the 70s, sometimes 80s, as an above-average autumn kept us unusually warm far later into the season than expected.

One of our reporters lamented that this year’s winter came along without much transition from fall, so there has been no gradual acclimation to freezing and subfreezing temperatures. Thus, it is important to stay safe as winter temperatures fall to their season averages or below.

One Monday, a West Sedona family of eight ranging from ages 8 to 79 were taken to the hospital for carbon monoxide exposure.

Odorless, tasteless and colorless, carbon monoxide is produced from combustion when there is not enough oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, which is also colorless, odorless and though nontoxic, is an asphyxiant. Both gases can be fatal and both are far more common in winter when we keep furnaces, stoves and heaters running in enclosed spaces.

Consider purchasing carbon monoxide detectors, which you can pick up for less than $30, and place them near your furnaces.

Keep flammable materials well away from fireplaces, furnaces and space heaters. Make sure you have fire extinguishers in the home, at least in the kitchen and additional ones near fireplaces.
Do not use a gas oven or range as a makeshift space heater.

Be careful while driving. Roads can be slick with black ice in the morning, which could cause vehicles to lose traction or skid. Be especially careful on bridges. The stretch of State Route 89A between Dry Creek Bridge to just east of Lower Red Rock Loop Road is hidden from the sun behind Schuerman Mountain until midafternoon so be sure to take the already dangerous curve slower than normal.

Even ice on stretches of asphalt in shaded areas may not melt as the day progresses, leaving dangerous patches on otherwise safe roads.

Especially in the mornings or after it snows, allow a few more seconds for a left turn in front of oncoming traffic in case you lose traction. Approaching vehicles cannot stop quickly, doubling the risk.

If it snows, carry a fully charged cell phone and make sure you have a full tank of gas if you head up Oak Creek Canyon in case you get stranded and need to call and wait for a tow truck.

Be safe this winter and lets hope for an early spring.