Emergency Management
Cold Weather Preparedness
Code Blue Weather Emergency Declaration means that temperatures or wind chill is expected to be below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you see someone in need of immediate emergency assistance, call or text 9-1-1. If you or someone you know needs help with temporary shelter from the cold weather or a longer-term housing issue, call Emergency Management for assistance.
Safety Tips for Extreme Cold
- Minimize travel. Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold. During extreme cold, dress in warm layers if you need to venture outside.
- Check on the elderly to make sure their homes are adequately heated.
- Bring pets inside / limit their exposure to extreme temperatures outdoors.
- When heating your home from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., remember to properly ventilate to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
- Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel (see below). Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
Power Outages
- Report power outages directly to the utility company.
- Only run generators outside in well-ventilated, dry areas; never in a home or attached garage.
If you have no heat:
- Close off unneeded rooms. Stuff towels or rags in the cracks under doors.
- Cover windows at night.
- Eat food for energy and drink plenty of water.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, and warm clothing.
How to Avoid Frozen Pipes
- Insulate pipes in any unheated areas of your home. One way to insulate your pipes is using heat tape or pipe insulation. These items can be purchased at a local home improvement store.
- Protect your meter. If you have an outdoor meter pit, make sure the lid is not broken or missing. Pack the pit with insulating material, or even an old blanket.
- Eliminate drafts. Close off crawlspace vents and doors. Repair broken or cracked basement windows. Make sure basement doors and windows close tightly. Repair any broken or cracked basement windows.
If temperatures drop to close to 10 degrees Fahrenheit be sure to do the following:
- Check the water temperature by placing a thermometer under the tap.
- Leave a very thin stream of water running constantly from at least one tap, preferably the tap farthest from the meter.
- Open cabinet doors below all sinks to allow the warmth from inside your house to reach your pipes. Before you follow this tip, be sure to remove all harmful items from beneath the sink.
Blizzards and Winter Storms
Plan ahead for winter traveling:
- Keep your gas tank near full.
- Let someone know where you are going, and when you should arrive.
If caught in a car or truck during a bad storm:
- Stay in your car or truck; run the motor about ten minutes each hour for heat. Exercise from time to time by moving arms, legs, fingers, and toes very fast to keep blood moving and to keep warm.
- Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked (with snow).
- Make yourself visible to rescuers. Turn on the flashers and dome light at night when running the engine. Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door.
- Raise the hood to indicate trouble only after snow stops falling.
- Have an emergency kit in your car or truck (see below).
Make a Winter Emergency Car Kit
- Blankets/sleeping bags
- High-calorie, nonperishable food/drinks
- Water stored in clean plastic containers–one gallon per day per person for at least three days–for drinking/cleaning purposes
- Shovel
- Tow rope
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Windshield scraper and brush
- Booster cables (commonly known as jumper cables)
- First-aid kit
- Extra clothing in case you get wet
- Utility knife
- Tool kit
- Duct tape
- Bag of sand or cat litter in case your car or truck gets stuck in ice or snow
- Compass and road maps
- Books, puzzles, games for children
- Extra medication
- Spare cell phone charger