Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2015 16:40:02 +0000
From: Debra Henzey
Subject: Chatham Urges Residents to Take Precautions for Arctic Weather
Contact: Debra Henzey, 919-542-8200
Chatham Urges Residents to Take Precautions for Arctic Weather
With record-breaking frigid air moving in and stay around until the weekend, Chatham County reminds residents to take special safety and health precautions and protect water pipes. Wind chill could put us in the zero and subzero range.
Please check on neighbors and family members who may have insufficient heating and remind them of these precautions. Seniors and others without transportation may need help getting heating supplies.
Outdoor precautions. The most important advice is to stay inside during the coldest parts of the evening and especially do not spend much time outside when it is nearing single digits. Be very careful doing strenuous activity outside during cold weather.
If you must be out in freezing weather, dress in layers but remove layers if you start to sweat. Cover all exposed skin if you go outside when temperatures near or go below single digits where frostbite can happen quickly.
Recommended clothing items include: mittens rather than gloves, long underwear made for cold weather, thick socks or layers of socks. and a warm hat that covers as much of your head and neck as possible.
It also is advisable to drink warm beverages with NO alcohol or caffeine. You also should eat warm foods with higher calories than you normally do to generate body heat.
For specific tips on prevention and treatment of hypothermia and frostbite, visit www.crh.noaa.gov/oax/safety/frostbite.php
Indoor precautions. Space heaters come with instructions to ensure that they do not cause a fire or carbon monoxide problems. Please follow them. They should be at least three free away from anything flammable. For more information the safe use of portable heaters, visit: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/portable-heaters
Fireplaces also require precautions. The biggest dangers with wood-burning fireplaces are sparks and logs rolling out of the fireplace and dirty chimneys, while proper ventilation is the main concern of various types of natural gas fireplaces. More information can be found at: http://static.hpba.org/fileadmin/factsheets/product/FS_FireplaceSafety.pdf
Never use a kitchen stove or oven to heat the home. They are not designed for this and can create major safety hazards.
Horses and pets: Most dogs and cats will not fare well in the upcoming frigid weather. If possible, bring them inside or at least shelter in a garage or shed where they can get some heat. If they are outside for extended time, make sure they have a small dry shelter protected from the wind with straw or cedar shavings. Make sure that food and water are not frozen.
Horses also need access to a barn or other shelter. Blankets will also help protect them. They too need water that is not frozen.
Household plumbing: To avoid frozen waterlines, shut off irrigation systems at the main valve, disconnect and drain outside water hoses, insulate exposed plumbing, close all exterior doors to unheated areas, and leave a sink running just a bit on the coldest nights.
For more information on protecting pipes, visit www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm/preventing-thawing-frozen-pipes
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Debra Henzey
Chatham County Director of Community Relations
919-542-8258
Cell 919-548-4662