Read on for some beneficial tips to cope during cold and snowy weather at home, in your car or your pets.
For your home:
- Always have safe emergency equipment including portable radio, flashlight a few days’ worth of food in case the power goes out.
- Officials advise to find the water shut-off valve in your house in case of a water emergency, so you know where to go if a pipe burst.
- It’s recommended to let your hot and cold faucets drip overnight and open cabinet doors to allow heat to get under sinks on exterior walls and uninsulated pipes, to prevent frozen pipes.
- If possible, stay indoors. Officials urge you dress well and wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing if you must go outdoors. Wear a hat and scarf over your mouth to protect your lungs.
- Watch out for signs of hyperthermia such as weak pulse, drowsiness and incoherence, uncontrollable shivering, disorientation and frostbite, including waxy-feeling skin and numbness.
- Program your local utility contact information in your contacts before needed.
- Disconnect garden hoses and if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
- Be sure to maintain satisfactory heat indoors if you are planning to go away for a long period of time
- Do not place a space heater within three feet of anything explosive.
How to keep your car safe
- When temperatures are low it is more likely for your car battery to fail, especially if it is 3 years or older. Never attempt to jump-start or charge a frozen battery as it may fracture or explode.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
- If possible. Avoid using your parking brake in snowy, rainy and cold weather.
- Never warm up your vehicle in your garage or any other enclosed areas.
- To avoid gas line freeze-up, keep your gas tank at least half full.
- You should check your car’s liquids every month and keep your washer liquid topped off with winter formula, so it doesn’t freeze.
- Check your windshield wipers as they tend to deteriorate during winter weather.
Keeping your pets safe
- Never leave your pet unattended inside a car.
- Bang on the hood of your car before you start the engine incase there are outdoor cats in your area.
- Wipe your pet’s legs, feet and abdomens when they walk in from icy or snowy conditions. Pets especially dogs can ingest salt, antifreeze and other chemicals when licking their paws.
- A few shelters offer temporary housing during the cold for dogs, cats or smaller animal. Check your area shelters, if you or someone you know needs to use this service.
- Keep your pets indoors during cold weather.
The homeless
- Some warming centers will be open throughout winter to help homeless cope with stormy temperatures.
- Lookout for homeless people who could get hypothermia when temperatures drop. Call your nearest shelter for help if you see someone who needs help.
