Record breaking low temps and heavy snow are bearing down on most of us and we just wanted to let you know some important home and personal safety precautions. Extreme cold temperatures pose a challenge to physical structures themselves, as pipes may freeze and heating systems are continuously running:
- To avoid frozen pipes, keep water running at a trickle. Open cabinet doors to sinks
to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.
- Keep thermostats at the same temperature, day and night.
- Use a glass or metal screen with a fireplace to catch sparks and rolling logs.
- Never use a generator inside a home, including in the basement or the garage.
With wind chills making it feel even colder, you should also take note of the
following health and wellness tips, too:
- Limit activity outside and take pets indoors — as pets can also develop frostbite
and hypothermia.
- For those that go outside, multiple layers of lightweight clothing are recommended
by the Red Cross — as well as hats, mittens, gloves and a scarf to protect your lungs
- People should also be on the lookout for early signs of frostbite, as the very young
and the very old are most susceptible.
- Those with limited blood circulation are also at an increased risk for developing
frostbite.
- To warm up hands and feet, it is best to use body heat or warm water. Holding your
hands over an open flame is not advised.
- If you aren't able to warm up after half an hour or so, seek medical attention immediately.
- In addition to frostbite, look out for signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable
shivering, memory loss, drowsiness and exhaustion.
- Do not forget to check on family, friends and neighbors who may be at risk and in
need of additional assistance during the heavy snow and freezing cold.
- When traveling keep a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit in your
vehicle —including warm clothing.
We hope everyone keeps safe and warm during these polar conditions.
Rest assured, our team is working around the clock — whatever the weather — to
make sure that your heating system keeps doing everything it needs for you stay
warm and comfortable at home.