COLD WEATHER SAFETY

Cold weather can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds, and can create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, heart attacks from overexertion, as well as be a contributing factor to house fires when heating appliances are not properly used.

Protect yourself and your loved ones during a cold weather. Take extra steps to make sure you heat your home safely, and follow the tips below.

Heat your home safely. If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remember these safety tips:
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• Turning on the stove for heat is not safe; have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:
  • Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats
  • Fireplace that is up to code with plenty of dry firewood or a gas log fireplace
  • Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters. Check with your local fire department to make sure that kerosene heaters are legal in your area.
• Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Make sure to keep them away from any flammable materials, like curtains or blankets.
• Use fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak gas from the flue or exhaust into the indoor air space.
• Have your heating system serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
• Make sure you have proper ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater.
• Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use—don’t substitute.
• Keep heat sources, like space heaters, at least 3 feet away from drapes, furniture, or bedding. Never cover your space heater.
• Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
• Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
• Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard, but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
• Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
• If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it.

If you need to report a fire or medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

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If You Are Under A Winter Advisory

1. Stay off roads.
2. Stay indoors and dress warmly.
3. Prepare for power outages.
4. Use generators outside only and away from windows.
5. Use care when operating space heaters and fireplaces.
6. Listen for emergency information and alerts.
7. Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
8. Check on neighbors.
9. Check on the elderly family members and neighbors.
10. Make provisions for warm shelter for all pets that normally live outdoors.

Prepare Now

Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather. Click HERE to sign up for your community’s warning system.

Click HERE to learn how to make an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.

Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.

During The Winter Weather

Stay off roads if at all possible.

If your vehicle stalls on the roadside, stay inside the vehicle and call for help.

Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.

Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and begin treatment right away.

Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

Recognize & Respond

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes. Signs of frostbite include numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin and/or firm or waxy skin. If you suspect you have frostbite, go to a warm room. Soak in warm water or use body heat to warm yourself. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. If you suspect you are suffering from hypothermia, go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

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