After Extreme Cold: Essential Tasks
Imagine an Arctic outbreak has just occurred in your area, but now, the temperatures are starting to warm up. While you may be ready for things to go back to normal, there are some essential tasks that you need to do. They will help keep you safe in the near term as well as the next time extreme cold happens.
Salt your walkways. Once it warms up enough to go out, it is important to shovel any snow from your sidewalks and driveway, or sprinkle salt if there is ice. If there is a thick layer of snow on the ground that you cannot move, salt the area so that the snow melts. You should also put salt down if there is ice on the stairs leading into your house. Less than a quarter inch of ice can be dangerous!
Check your pipes as they may be frozen. Water pipes on exterior walls and in places that are subject to cold, like in the basement, attic, and under kitchen cabinets, freeze most often. Water expands as it freezes, causing pipes to burst. If they are frozen, follow these steps:
- Turn on the faucet.
- Heat the pipes using a space heater, heating pad, electric hair dryer, or hot water on a cloth. Never use an open flame. Water will drip as you warm the pipes.
- Continue until water pressure returns to normal.
- Call a plumber if you have more issues.
Call your neighbors, friends, and family. Check to see that your neighbors, friends, and family are okay after the storm, particularly seniors, disabled persons, or others living alone. Carbon monoxide is one of the leading causes of death after storms, especially if there are power outages. Cases of frostbite and hypothermia are also common for elderly people who are stuck in their homes. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
Refill your supplies. This storm may be over, but there might be another one soon. Every storm is different, so it is important to always be prepared! Important supplies to have for every storm include:
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Non-perishable food, such as canned food and a can opener, dry cereal, and protein-rich foods like nuts and energy bars.
- Water – have at least 1 gallon per person a day for at least 3 days
- Basic toolkit
- Pet supplies
- Radio
The immediate danger of extreme cold may be over, but doing these tasks will help keep you and your family safe once it warms up.
Source: NWS, CDC
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Image by Jordan Holiday from Pixabay
