With an arctic cold front bringing frigid temperatures to our area over the coming days, the Greater NY Red Cross is providing some tips and resources to help residents stay safe. More emergency preparedness information can be found at www.redcross.org/prepare or by downloading the Red Cross Emergency App.
HOME HEATING SAFETY Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires. Moreover, the Red Cross sees a spike in home fire responses when temperatures drop.
- Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
- Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
- If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
- Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
- Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
- It is critical that households have working smoke alarms and that families practice their fire escape plan.
- Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.
- Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
- Bring pets inside during winter weather. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COLD WEATHER PET SAFETY
- Make sure coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and warm clothing are available for all household members, along with extra blankets.
- Eat regular meals and stay hydrated, but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
- Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
- Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.
- Keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
ACT FAST IF YOU SEE SIGNS OF FROSTBITE OR HYPOTHERMIA
- Frostbite is when a part of your body freezes. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes often are the first affected. People may experience pain, numbness, and a change of skin color.
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- What to do for frostbite: Move to a warm place. Warm the affected area gently by soaking in warm water (NOT hot) until the skin appears normal and feels warm. Seek emergency medical care.
- Hypothermia can kill you. It occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat. This causes a dangerously low body temperature. Older adults, babies, children, and people with certain health conditions are more at risk. Shivering is one of the first signs of hypothermia; other signs include confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech.
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- What to do for hypothermia: Seek emergency medical care right away. Move to a warm place. Remove any wet clothing and warm the body slowly.
HOW TO PREVENT FROZEN PIPES
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
