When Extreme Cold Hits – Prepare and Prevent
Extremely cold weather can be dangerous, especially to infants and elderly. Serious health problems can result from exposure to the cold, most commonly hypothermia and frostbite. About health and the cold
Being prepared at home and in your car are the best ways to protect yourselves and your loved ones.
Limit Time Outside
- Make outdoor trips brief and dress in layers of loose clothes.
- Stay dry – wet clothing rapidly chills the body.
- If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or other hard work in the cold.
- If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you can’t bring them inside, provide good shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have unfrozen water to drink.
Prepare Your Home
- Keep emergency supplies on hand, like blankets; matches; first aid kit; flashlight; battery powered radio; extra batteries; non-electric can opener; prescription medication; food; water; and, other special items such as diapers.
- Keep a supply of basics (non-cooked items), such as bread, peanut butter, and dried fruits.
- Have bottled water (5 gallons per person) in case water pipes freeze or rupture.
- Install a smoke detector and battery operated carbon monoxide detector. Check them often and replace batteries as needed.
- Be very careful if using a wood stove, fireplace, space heater, or another type of heater. About heating safely
Prepare Your Car
- Make sure your car is ready for winter. Check the antifreeze level and keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tanks and fuel lines. Have your car battery checked also.
- Keep an emergency kit - blankets; first aid kit; collapsible shovel; blanket, dried fruit, flashlight with extra batteries; and a windshield scraper.
- Travel with a charged cell phone.
Before, During and After a Storm -- About preparing your home and car
Local Heating Resource
The Breathing Association's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - www.BreathingAssociation.org