Cold Weather Safety Tips: Plan Ahead to Stay Warm

As temperatures drop, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself, your home, and your loved ones from the dangers of cold weather. Here are important cold weather safety tips:

Personal Protection Outdoors:

1. Wear Layers: Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing to trap body heat.
2. Cover Your Head: A hat will help prevent heat loss, and try to stay dry and out of the wind.
3. Protect Your Lungs: Cover your mouth to shield your lungs from the extreme cold.
4. Mittens Are Better Than Gloves: Mittens that are snug at the wrist provide better warmth than gloves.

Stay Warm Indoors:

1. Proper Heating: Make sure your home is safely heated. Check that your heating system is working well and set the thermostat to no lower than 55°F to prevent freezing pipes.
2. Weatherproof Your Home: Insulate your home, use caulking, and install weather stripping to keep out the cold.
3. Indoor Thermometer: Consider using an indoor thermometer to monitor the temperature.
4. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Be sure to check on older adults and babies, ensuring they stay warm.
5. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: These can cause your body to lose heat more quickly.

If You Must Travel:

1. Dress Appropriately: If you have to go outside, dress in layers and cover your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes, as these areas are most prone to frostbite.
2. Wear Protective Gear: Wear a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. A scarf covering your face and mouth is also recommended.

Plan for Heating Emergencies:

1. Know Where to Go: If your home becomes too cold, go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center.
2. Keep Pipes from Freezing:
   • Let faucets drip at night to keep water moving.
   • Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to heat.
   • Keep the heat on, set to no lower than 55°F.

If You Plan to Be Away:

1. Check Your Heat: Have someone check your house daily to ensure the heat is still on.
2. Drain Water Systems: If you’re away for a long period, consider draining your water system to prevent freezing.

If Pipes Freeze:

1. Know How to Shut Off Water: Ensure everyone in your household knows how to turn off the water if pipes burst.
2. Don’t Use Open Flames: Never try to thaw frozen pipes with an open flame or torch. Use a hair dryer instead.
3. Be Cautious of Electric Shock: Never stand in water when attempting to thaw pipes or when near electrical devices.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

1. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector: Ensure your home is equipped with a working CO detector.
2. NEVER Run Generators Indoors: This can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
3. Use Heaters Safely: Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater, and always follow manufacturer instructions.
4. Don’t Use a Gas Oven for Heat: It can release harmful gases.
5. Stay Warm with Layers: If the heat goes out, wear layers, close off unused rooms, and wear a cap to stay warm.

Safety with Wood-Burning Stoves and Fireplaces:

1. Use a Screen: Keep a screen around open flames to prevent sparks from flying.
2. NEVER Use Gasoline: Don’t use gasoline to start a fire.
3. Do Not Burn Charcoal Indoors: This can create dangerous carbon monoxide.
4. Vent Properly: Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
5. Follow Safety Instructions: Use only well-vented, safe sources of heat, like wood or coal stoves, and always follow manufacturer instructions.

Animal and Pet Safety:

1. Bring Pets Indoors: Keep pets inside whenever possible during extreme cold.
2. Provide Shelter and Fresh Water: Ensure pets have proper shelter and access to clean, unfrozen water.
3. Protect Paws from Salt: Avoid salt or chemicals on pets’ paws, and clean them after walks.

Vehicle Preparation:

1. Check Your Battery: Cold weather can affect car batteries.
2. Check Fluids: Ensure your car has adequate coolant, wiper fluid, and oil.
3. Inspect Tires: Cold temperatures can lead to tire pressure drops.
4. Keep Jumper Cables: Always have jumper cables in your car in case of emergencies.
5. Pack a Blanket: Keep a blanket, extra clothing, and non-perishable snacks in your car.

For more detailed winter safety tips, visit:

• National Weather Service: Wind Chill Chart
• Ready.gov Winter Weather
• Red Cross Winter Storm Preparation