Prepare for winter weather indoors and outdoors

December 21, 2022
winter

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With a cold front hitting Texas early Thursday morning, it is important to get your home and family ready for the winter weather to protect lives and property. We have compiled a list of tips from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help you get ready for the cold weather this week:

Tips for staying safe inside:

  • Make sure infants and babies are not in cold rooms when they are sleeping and are wearing warm clothing such as one-piece wearable blankets, sleep sacks, or footed pajamas. They are at a higher risk of cold-related illnesses and injuries because they lose body heat easier.  
  • Check on your elderly neighbors as they tend to make less body heat. They should be in a warm environment and bundled up so that they do not freeze. 
  • Leave water taps on slightly to prevent the pipes from freezing.
  • Check your gas/propane to make sure you have a full supply.
  • If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, keep your firewood dry and handy to get to.
  • Eat well-balanced meals to help stay warm.
  • Alcohol and caffeine can cause your body to lose heat rapidly, so avoid them in order to stay warm. 
  • Bring pets inside or make sure they have sufficient shelter to keep them warm, such as blankets, pillows or hay.  Increase their caloric intake and make sure their water supply doesn’t freeze.  If you must take your pet outside, make sure to wipe them free of snow and keep them on the leash. REMEMBER: If it’s too cold outside for you, it’s too cold for them, so it’s best to keep your pet indoors. 

 

The CDC also commented, “Never use generators, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, in garages, or near windows. The fumes are deadly.”

 

The CDC warns that using the stove is not a safe way to stay warm and they recommend using extra blankets and clothing to stay warm instead. Fireplaces and space heaters are a much safer options and reduce the risk of danger.

 

Tips for staying safe outdoors:

  • Dress warmly in layers and clothing to cover all open skin such as hats, scarves, and mittens.
  • Avoid getting wet or walking on ice.
  • If you have to do outdoor work such as shoveling, take your time and work slowly. Make sure to check on elderly neighbors in case they need help with outdoor work. 
  • Avoid traveling if there is ice on the roads. 
  • Stay inside your vehicle if you become stranded outdoors and call 9-1-1.

 

Make sure to follow these tips in order to keep your home safe and warm. Take it slow on the roads, keep watch of your community, and make sure you are bundled up! 

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