Cold Weather Safety Tips

• Residence fires pose the greatest threat to life during Florida cold outbreaks.
• Remember to keep flammable materials such as newspapers or clothing away from portable heaters. Make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly...especially when sleeping. Be extra careful with kerosene heaters! Make sure the room is well ventilated. These heaters give off toxic fumes that can make you sick or even kill you. Also, never use a charcoal grill to warm your house.
• Persons with delicate plants should take measures to protect them from the cold temperatures.
• Make frequent checks of the elderly. Make sure their furnaces are working and heating the house properly.
• Pets are also susceptible to cold weather. If they must stay outside...make sure there is a warm and dry shelter with sufficient food and unfrozen water.
• If you must go outside...remember that several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. A hat is also important since 20 percent of body heat loss is through the head.
• Cold weather itself puts an extra strain on the heart. If you add to this the strain of heavy physical activity, you could be at risk for a heart attack.
• Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low. Dress warmly in loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.Wear a hat. Protect your face and cover your mouth to protect your lungs from very cold air. Wear mittens instead of gloves -- they allow your fingers to move freely in contact with one another and will keep your hands much warmer.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol causes the body to lose its heat more rapidly -- even though one may feel warmer after drinking alcoholic beverages.
  When a Hard Freeze is Forecast

A HARD (KILLING) FREEZE describes when temperatures are below 28 degrees for several hours.

*Prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes with a thermal wrapping material.

*Outdoor pipes or pumps may be protected by allowing a slow drip or flow of water through them.