Winter Weather Safety Tips for Record-Breaking Cold Snap
As historic Winter Storm Uri continues to rage, 25 of America’s 50 states are experiencing some form of severe winter weather: many for the first time. In Austin, tens of thousands remain without power, and temperatures are expected to stay in the low to mid 30s for at least the next few days.
Whether you’re hunkering down or planning to venture out, take a moment to read up on today’s tips for winter-weather safety.
Travel
If possible, travel should be avoided at this time. Check local weather and news outlets for any alerts or advisories before heading out. Please be mindful of alerts concerning poor road conditions or low visibility. These are signs that travel is not safe. If you must travel, notify someone of the route you plan to take, and when you expect to arrive at your destination. Ask them to notify authorities if you do not arrive by your designated time.
Do not rely on your car as a primary source of heat. Car batteries are quite likely to malfunction in cold weather. Dress warmly, and include items in your car such as tire chains, a mobile phone with backup power, blankets, and emergency food and water.
If stranded, the following measures should be taken. Affix a brightly-colored, visible cloth to the antenna of your car to catch the attention of emergency personnel. Move any emergency items from your trunk or backseat to the passenger area, for easy access. Do not keep your car running. Run the motor and heating unit for 10 minutes every hour, keeping at least one window slightly open. Ventilation is vital, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If traveling on foot, avoid icy surfaces. Most cold-weather injuries result from falling on ice-covered walkways. Ice coating can be prevented by using rock salt or brine solution to treat surfaces. Surfaces such as soft snow, grass, and visibly dry areas are typically safest to walk on.
Attire
Appropriate winter clothing includes multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing that is warm, but lightweight. Mittens with a snug fit around the wrists are more effective than gloves, if available. Head coverings such as hats and scarves help retain body heat, and should be worn if possible.
It is important to stay dry. Do not leave your house with wet clothes or wet hair, as this will cause your body to lose heat much more quickly. If you begin to shiver, take steps to warm yourself immediately. Shivering is the body’s first signal that you are losing too much heat. Should shivering persist, return to a warm environment immediately.
Emergency Kits
Winter weather is notoriously unpredictable. It pays to keep an emergency kit on hand at all times: one for your home, and one for your vehicle. Kits should include items such as extra batteries, a flashlight, a battery or solar-powered radio, first-aid supplies, candles, a fire extinguisher and extra food and water. Best options for food include filling, nutritious items like candy, dried fruit, and non perishables that require little preparation.
In your vehicle, you should also include extra blankets or sleeping bags, extra clothing, a shovel, windshield scraper, tool kit and tow rope. A compass and road map are helpful in the event that your mobile device runs out of power, or service is interrupted due to weather.
Pets
Those familiar with cold weather often hear the phrase: “If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.” This is especially true in areas not used to seeing extreme weather conditions. Pets and livestock should be moved to sheltered, insulated areas. If possible, prepare extra food and water supplies. Water is especially important, as most animal deaths in winter weather stem from dehydration.
If animals cannot be brought inside, shelters can be easily made from materials such as plastic bins lined with cedar shavings, straw or hay. The floor of the shelter should be raised several inches off the ground, with the opening turned away from the wind. Avoid offering food or water in metal dishes—an animal’s tongue can become stuck to them in low temperatures. Animals remaining outside require extra food or water to replace the energy needed to stay warm. If at all possible, bring your animals inside.
Before starting your car, check the hood and tire wells. Small animals such as cats often seek shelter in these tight, warm spaces. They can be severely injured or killed if the engine is started while they are present. Banging loudly on the hood and honking the horn helps mitigate this risk.
Wipe your pet’s paws after walking outside. Toxic chemicals such as salt, antifreeze or de-icing solutions can stick to their paws and fur, posing health risks if they lick it off themselves. Keep solutions such as antifreeze out of the reach of pets. Due to its sweet taste, pets are quick to ingest antifreeze, which can be extremely toxic or fatal. Thoroughly clean any spills and store containers in a place your pets cannot reach.
Water Lines and Pipe Care
In freezing conditions, it is common for water pipes to freeze up and even burst. Pipes directly exposed to the elements are most susceptible, such as swimming pool or water sprinkler lines. Pipes in unheated interior areas such as basements and attics are also at high risk.
The simplest trick to preventing frozen pipes is to leave your faucets dripping slightly during cold weather. This keeps water moving through them, helping to mitigate the risk of a blockage or burst. Should your pipe freeze, apply a heat source to the frozen section such as an electric hair dryer or heating pad. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene/propane heater, or any other open flame device.
Indoor Safety
When cold weather strikes, heating your home is always a top priority. However, it is important to do so safely, and plan for every eventuality. In the event that you lose power, have on hand extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layered clothing. To maximize heating efficiency, close off any rooms not being occupied, and fill any cracks under the doors with towels or fabric.
If utilizing a fireplace, avoid burning paper alone. Only use a fireplace or wood stove that is properly ventilated, with a clean flue. Blocked or dirty chimneys can catch fire, posing risk to life and property. Never leave children or pets unattended near any open flame or space heater.
If using an electric space heater, avoid older models with glowing elements, as these have a higher risk of combustion. Do not place space heaters near any flammable materials such as curtains, clothing or blankets. Space heaters should not be covered up, and should be kept at least three feet away from other objects. Avoid plugging your space heater into an extension cord or power strip: these can become overheated and may catch fire.
We hope these tips will keep you and yours safe and warm through the coming days.
