HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It's going to be cold this week in Alabama. Like, really cold. Like below-freezing-for-days cold. How can you keep yourself and your family safe as temperatures plunge and Alabama gets a dose of arctic weather?
Remember the 'four Ps'
When you're doing your cold weather preparation, think about the four Ps: People, pets, pipes, and plants.
- Stay warm! Turn up the heater (responsibly - see below), use an electric blanket, bundle up, find a warming center.
- Check in on your neighbors, especially those who may not be mobile and who might need your assistance in getting prepared for the chilly temperatures.
- Beware of hypothermia. Infants, children, the elderly and people who spend a lot of time outdoors are at especially high risk. Symptoms include:
Adults:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion or feeling very tired
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
Babies:
- Bright red, cold skin
- Very low energy
If you suspect someone around you has hypothermia:
- Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
- Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.
- Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
- Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
- After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket.
- Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.
- Check on elderly friends and neighbors. Make sure they are warm and have food, water, and other supplies.
- Driving? Be prepared to be safe on the road.
Pets:
- If at all possible, bring pets indoors during cold weather.
- If you cant bring them indoors, make sure they have an enclosed, heated shelter with water available. Make sure water does not freeze.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia. Smaller pets are at higher risk for cold-related illness.
The last thing you want during the holidays is broken pipes. Reduce the risk:
- Open cabinets under sinks to let household air warm the pipes
- Keep garage doors closed, especially if there is exposed plumbing in the garage.
- Set faucets to drip slowly. You can use a bucket to catch drips to use for other purposes.
- Protect spigots and hoses by disconnecting the hoses and covering the spigot. If you don't have a commercially produced cover, you can use a towel and garbage bag.
Plants:
- Bring any plants that can't withstand sub-freezing temperatures inside.
- Make sure any greenhouses or lightweight structures are secured against the wind.
The 5th 'P' | Preventing Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The colder it gets, the more we will be relying on fireplaces, space heaters, and other ways to keep warm... which increases the risk of fires.
- Use heaters safely. Space heaters should not be left unattended or placed near fabric or furniture. Gas-powered generators should never be used inside and gas stoves should not be used to heat a home.
- If you will be using a fireplace, make sure the flue is open to prevent smoke and carbon monoxide from backing into the house. Ensure you have a metal grate or curtain in front of the opening to prevent sparks and embers from spilling out.
- Have extinguishers ready, just in case.
- Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have charged batteries and are operational.
You said 'Mind your P's and Q's... There's a 'Q?'
Not really, but Huntsville Utilities has suggested bulking up on your supply of quilts and blankets as a way to stay warm while keeping your utility bills low. Click here for more ways to stay comfortable without spending a bundle.