Dangerous Cold Front Approaches – Stay Warm And Safe

(UNDATED) – The forecast calls for near-zero temperatures and below-zero wind chills through Thursday. Exercise caution during these dangerously cold temperatures, and stay warm and safe by following these tips.


Keep warm
The colder it becomes outside, the harder your heating system will have to work to warm your home, which uses more energy and drives up bills.

  • Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting when home, and bump it down a degree or two when leaving. If you have a heat pump, set the thermostat and leave it. Lowering it can be inefficient and expensive.
  • Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air back down into the room.
  • Close drapes or blinds at night to help insulate your home, and seal drafty doors and windows.
  • Save energy and money with these tips, products, and services.

Care for others

  • It is always a good idea to be prepared for a power outage. Make plans now to move family members – especially those with special needs – to safe, alternative locations in the event of an extended power outage.
  • Check on elderly neighbors to ensure they are safe and have adequate heat in their homes. The National Institute on Aging offers more information to keep older adults safe during cold weather.
  • Keep pets inside during extreme cold temperatures. Like humans, animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold-weather injuries, including death. The Humane Society offers tips to keep your animals safe this winter.

Stay safe
Keep space heaters away from flammable materials like curtains, rugs or newspapers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers more space heater safety tips.

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when operating heating pads and electric blankets.
  • In the event of a power outage, always operate a generator outside. Never operate it inside your home or garage. Follow manufacturer instructions to ensure safe, proper operation. Learn more about generator safety.

Seek assistance if needed
The cold weather can be extremely dangerous. If you or anyone you know needs assistance finding shelter, please contact the resource below.
Find essential community services by calling United Way’s 2-1-1.

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