COLD WEATHER TIPS

With the most recent cold snap upon us, the Tewksbury Board of Health issues these cold weather tips in hopes of avoiding dangerous health affects. Living in New England, we must be prepared for severe weather, and to assist our neighbors.

· Look in on the elderly, and make sure they have enough food and warm clothing, and that their heat is working properly.

· Senior citizens can protect themselves by wearing several thin layers of clothes instead of a couple of thick layers, wearing a hat, eating and drinking hot foods and liquids, and avoiding the consumption of alcohol while in the cold.

· When outside, cover as much exposed skin as possible, using stocking caps, gloves, and scarves (mittens are warmer than gloves). Extended exposure to cold air can result in hypothermia (low body temperature) and frostbite.

· Ensure that your fireplace or wood burning stove chimney is cleaned regularly; do not use it if you have not cleaned it, as it poses a hazard for a chimney fire.

· Do not use kerosene or charcoal heaters inside homes; they are considered fire hazards and will generate dangerous gases.

· Do not use kitchen stoves or ovens to heat rooms in homes.

· Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car, the car acts as a refrigerator and the animal can freeze to death.

· Ensure heating appliances are regularly cleaned of settling dust or any other debris that could catch on fire.

· Clean or replace the filter in forced - air heating systems monthly.

· Water pipes are vulnerable to damage during cold weather. Water pipes can freeze or burst. Pipes that are located in attics, crawl spaces near outside walls should be insulated. Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with a torch or open flame.

· Know the location of the water shut off valve in case of frozen or burst pipes.

· Turn off outside faucets and disconnect outside hoses.

· If a pipe inside your home freezes, do not call the Water Department; contact a plumber for assistance.

(Issued 1/22/03)