Cold Weather Preparation

When some people think of winter, they envision beautiful snowfalls, sledding, and hot chocolate in front of the fireplace. Then there are those of us who start to panic when the first leaves begin to fall off the trees. When the temperature drops each winter here on Long Island, many potential problems can arise. There can be power failures. Pipes can freeze. Extremely cold weather can present a health hazard. The American Red Cross advises people to do some advance preparation to insure that they and their homes stay safe and warm during cold weather. Here's are some things they advise you to do ("Red Cross Says Preparing Means Surviving Winter Chill," Press Release, January 16, 2004, http://www.redcross.org)

In the event of a power failure:

• Avoid using candles for lighting. Use flashlights instead.
• Use generators outdoors only.

Keep pipes from freezing by:

• leaving cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around water pipes;
• letting the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes;
• keeping the thermostat set to a consistent temperature.

• Inspect fireplaces and wood stoves.
• Check smoke alarms.

When you go outside in extremely cold weather dress warmly:

• Wear mittens and a hat.
• Dress in layers.
• Wear waterproof boots.
• Learn to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia, including dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering; seek medical help when necessary.
• Learn to recognize the symptoms of frostbite, i.e. gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin; get medical help.