Cold Weather Tips
Record-breaking cold weather is expected all across Iowa Tuesday, January 29, 2019, thru Thursday, January 31, 2019. National Weather Service Forecast
For Your Vehicle
- Keep your vehicle full of gas.
- If you get stranded/break-down, stay with your vehicle. It will shield you from the wind.
- Have some emergency supplies in your vehicle:
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Water
- Snacks
- Water
- Hats, gloves, mittens
In Your Home or Church
- Open the cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to get to your pipes (to keep pipes from freezing) especially sinks on exterior walls.
- Avoid frozen pipes — run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night to help avoid freezing pipes.
- Do not use a stove or oven to heat the home.
- Space heaters should sit on a level, hard surface and anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away.
- If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
- Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
- Bring the pets indoors. If that’s not possible, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
Personal
- Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat.
- Know the signs of hypothermia — confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If someone has these symptoms, they should get immediate medical attention.
- Watch for symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.
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