As temperatures drop, it’s important to stay prepared and protect yourself, your home and your loved ones from winter hazards. Keep these five tips in mind to stay safe and warm during extreme cold temperatures.
- Protect yourself from falling temperatures.
Frostbite and hypothermia are real dangers during extreme cold. Protect yourself by:
- Wearing layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
- Wearing a hat and staying dry and out of the wind.
- Covering your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air.
- Using mittens instead of gloves, with a snug fit at the wrist.
- Prevent frozen pipes.
Pipes along the exterior walls of your home are especially vulnerable in cold weather. Prevent freezing by:
- Letting water drip from faucets at night.
- Opening cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes.
- Keeping your home’s heat set to no lower than 55 degrees.
- Asking a friend, neighbor or family member to check your home daily if you’re away.
If pipes do freeze, know how to shut off the water, never use an open flame to thaw pipes and be cautious of electric shock around standing water.
- Practice fireplace and heater safety precautions.
When using wood-burning stoves, fireplaces or portable heaters:
- Always use a protective screen around open flames.
- Never use gasoline to start a fire or burn charcoal indoors.
- Keep dampers open until the ashes cool.
- Use only approved heat sources and follow manufacturer instructions.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors.
- Never run generators indoors.
- Open a window slightly if using kerosene heaters indoors.
- Avoid using gas ovens for heating.
- Protect your pets.
Keep your furry family members safe by:
- Bringing pets indoors.
- Providing adequate shelter and fresh water.
- Keeping salt away from their paws.
- Prepare your car for extreme temperatures.
Cold weather can take a toll on vehicles. Be ready by:
- Checking your battery, fluids and tires.
- Keeping jumper cables, a blanket and an emergency kit in your car.
Find more winter weather safety tips on the National Weather Service’s website, weather.gov.