Amid freezing cold nighttime temperatures dropping into the teens, the National Weather Service is releasing the following winter weather safety tips.
Limit time spent outdoors, if possible. When outside for a prolonged period in freezing temps, cover your mouth when breathing to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing, a beanie that goes over your ears, and mittens that are snug at the wrist.
Attempt to keep household and business pipes from freezing by allowing sinks to trickle or drip water from the faucet overnight. Open cabinet doors to let additional heat reach un-insulated pipes.
If pipes do freeze, turn off your water system. Do not try to thaw a pipe with an open flame.
Always keep a screen around a fireplace and never use gasoline or charcoal indoors.
Install a carbon monoxide detector, as poisoning claims nearly 1,000 U.S. lives each year. Slightly open a window when using a kerosene heater and follow manufacturer instructions. Do not use a gas oven to heat a home. If your home heating goes out, shut doors to unused rooms to preserve indoor temperatures.
Help out your furry, four-legged friends by bringing outside pets indoors during freezing overnight hours.
Keep tabs on your vehicle’s safety by checking the battery, coolant, wiper fluid, oil, and tires. Make sure to keep a pair of jumper cables and a blanket in your car or truck.
Lastly, check in on others to ensure their well-being, especially vulnerable individuals such as the elderly.
Stay warm, stay well, and stay listening to WACO 100!