Frozen Water Pipes #AltusOK #OKready #OKice

During extreme cold temperatures, one of the most serious threats to your home is frozen water pipes. According to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), approximately a quarter-million homes and offices have at least one room damaged by a frozen pipe each year. FLASH encourages you to protect your property this winter by following three easy steps:

• FOAM: Insulate pipes exposed to the elements or cold drafts. By keeping your water warmer, you reduce the amount of energy needed to heat water in the cold, winter months;
• DOME: Place an insulating dome or other covering on outdoor faucets and spigots to reduce the likelihood of water pipes freezing, expanding and causing a costly leak; and
• DRIP: Allow a slow drip from your faucets to reduce the buildup of pressure in the pipes. Even if the pipes freeze, the release pressure in the water system will reduce the likelihood of a rupture.

For more prevention tips or to learn how to properly thaw frozen pipes in your home, check out this informative Weather Channel video.

Winter Driving Safety

If you need to use your car in winter weather, preparation is critical to ensure your safety as driving during these conditions can be hazardous. Before hitting the road, be sure to winterize your vehicle and update theemergency supply kit with the following items:

• Shovel;
• Ice scraper and small broom;
• Blanket; and
• Emergency flares.

Once your car is ready, follow The Three P’s of Safe Winter Driving provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration for safe driving in winter storms: PREPARE for the trip; PROTECT yourself; and PREVENT crashes on the road. Here are some tips to remember:

• Familiarize yourself with directions before you go and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time; 
• Maintain a full tank of gas to prevent fuel lines from freezing;
• Slow down for winter driving conditions, regardless of the type of vehicle you drive;
• Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and others as it takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle on wet roads; and
• Do not use cruise control.

Preventing Hypothermia #AltusOK #OKready #OKwx

Some parts of the country are receiving an early dose of heavy snow storms and plunging temperatures. These cold temperatures can make your body lose heat faster than it’s produced. This condition results in abnormally low body temperature, also known as hypothermia.

Hypothermia affects the brain, leaving the person unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because individuals experiencing it may not know that it’s happening. Individuals most often affected by hypothermia include:

• Older adults with inadequate heating, food or clothing;
• Babies sleeping in cold rooms; and
• People who remain outdoors for long periods like the homeless, hikers or hunters.

In extreme cold, make outside trips as brief as possible to protect your health and safety. However, if you must be outside take a few special precautions:

• Work slowly if you have to do heavy outdoor chores;
• Notify friends and family where you will be before you go hiking, camping or skiing; and
• Dress warmly and in layers.  A waterproof jacket will help you stay warm and dry if it starts to snow.

Do not ignore shivering. It is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Learn the other signs of hypothermia and how to care for someone who may be suffering from it before your next outdoor winter excursion.

Thanks to FEMA for this information.