RIEMA offers tips during cold weather

ABC6 News
Photo: Pixabay / WikiImages / MGN

By News Staff

news@abc6.com 

Temperatures this coming weekend are expected to fall to the single digits with the possibility of it reaching below zero Saturday night.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency wind chill temperatures could drop to as low as -20 degrees Saturday night making them potentially dangerous and life threatening.

RIEMA has offered some tip to people to remain safe in the cold temperatures:

  • The temperature inside your home should be set according to your own activity level, health, and medications. What is an acceptable, fuel-saving temperature for an active family may not be safe for an older person who has difficulty moving or takes certain medications.
  • The elderly are especially susceptible to extremely cold temperatures. Check on elderly friends, family, or neighbors frequently.
  • Insulate water pipes to keep them from freezing.
  • Keep a blanket and/or hats and gloves in your vehicle in the event you are stranded and without heat.
  • Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia.
  • Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Symptoms of frostbite can include loss of feeling and loss of color and usually happens on the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Symptoms of hypothermia in adults can include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, drowsiness, or slurred speech. In infants, symptoms of hypothermia can include bright red, cold skin and low energy.
  • Remember: Pets get cold too! If it is too cold for you to be outside, it’s too cold for your pet as well. Do not leave cats/dogs outside for prolonged periods of time.
  • It is also important to remember that house fires occur more frequently in the winter due to a lack of proper safety precautions when using alternate heating sources, such as unattended fires and space heaters. To prevent a dangerous fire from occurring this winter, consider the following precautionary tips:
  • Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible (i.e. wallpaper, bedding, clothing, etc.)
  • Never leave space heaters operating when you are not in the room or when you go to bed. Do not leave children unattended near space heaters.
  • Refrain from drying wet clothing over a space heater.
  • Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly and replace batteries as necessary.
  • Use a fireplace screen when burning fires and burn only wood. NEVER burn paper or plastic.

Warming centers will also be open for people who need to seek temporary shelter. For a list of locations you can visit www.riema.ri.gov/warmingcenters. 

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