Tonight may be the coldest night of the year. Temperatures will be in the 20s with wind chills in the single digits in the north and teens in south Alabama. Here are some tips to keep you warm this week-end. You can also check out information in the Alabama Extension Emergency Handbook.
- Winter Storms (from the Emergency Handbook): https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/emergency-handbook-home-family/winter-storms/
- Power Outages (from the Emergency Handbook—it focuses on cold weather issues): https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/emergency-handbook-home-family/power-outages/
When temperatures drop into the teens, hard freezes are a real threat. Wind chills are also often hazardous, as they sometimes reach into the single digits. When facing winter weather conditions, remember the following tips.
- Listen to a weather radio (NOAA, National Weather Service, etc.) for updates.
- Run water, even at a trickle, to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
- Prevent frozen or broken pipes by insulating exposed pipes.
- In extremely cold temperatures, seek retreat at a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat.
- If you have a gas heater, keep it in good working order. Know how to safely use the heater. If you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace or a wood-burning stove, keep it in good working condition. Maintain a distance of 3 feet between your heat source and flammable objects. Have a supply of wood on hand.
To learn more, please check out information in the Alabama Extension Emergency Handbook.
- Winter Storms (from the Emergency Handbook): https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/emergency-handbook-home-family/winter-storms/
- Power Outages (from the Emergency Handbook—it focuses on cold weather issues): https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/emergency-handbook-home-family/power-outages/
