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We ask residents to review these extreme cold safety tips and check on neighbors or family members who may need assistance preparing for the cold.
During extreme cold
* Try to minimize time outside, even for pets.
* If you do need to go outside dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing . Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
* Follow all safety precautions if using space heaters and DO NOT use a stove or oven as a heat source.
* Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of newspapers covered in plastic to prevent them from freezing. Let a trickle of warm water run from a faucet to keep water moving through your pipes.
* If your pipes freeze, remove any insulation, pour hot water over them or wrap them with towels soaked in hot water, and completely open all faucets. You can also use a hair dryer, with caution, to thaw pipes. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes.
* Check on neighbors and family, especially the elderly and infirmed.
* Watch for signs of cold-related health concerns like frostbite and hypothermia and call 911 immediately for any emergencies.
You can find more information on staying safe during extreme cold at http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/emergencies/cold/.
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I tried following these instructions but couldn’t figure it out. How do I put on the hat, gloves and boots? And does the coat zipper go on the front or back?
And I don’t know if I have frostbite, but when I go outside my skin hurts. Is this supposed to happen? And this article doesn’t say anything about an open fire in my livingroom. Can I do that? Should I use duraflame logs or organic free range ones from Whole Foods? Do I just stack them up on the chair and lite a match?
They really need to give us more information than this.
Can we make sure homeless folks have a place to sleep? Thank you.