NEBRASKA – Nebraskans are feeling the below-freezing temperatures that are happening right now. Here are some tips to help ensure your safety.
Some people have the option to work inside, while others, such as Road Departments, Utility Services, and farmers and ranchers do not. Hypothermia and frostbite are two things that could happen but can be prevented by bundling up. Many different clothing options can be used such as ski masks paired up with stocking caps, scarves, a good pair of gloves, heavy jackets, and thermal underclothing. Is it also important to keep your toes warm and wool socks are just the thing to do so.
According to the CDC, hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures. Warning signs of hypothermia can include shivering, drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion, and fumbling hands. Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. This leads to a loss of feeling and color in the affected areas, usually cheeks, ears, noses, chins, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. Be sure to be safe, stay bundled up, and make sure outside time is limited.
Below-freezing temperatures can mean frozen pipes, which is something that no one wants to deal with ever but especially in these below-freezing temperatures. The American Red Cross has information on how to protect your pipes from freezing and how to thaw frozen pipes.
To prevent frozen pipes, keep thermostats set to the same temperature during the day and night. When the weather reaches below-freezing temperatures, let cold water drip (just a trickle) from the faucet that gets water from exposed pipes. Also, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to touch the pipes. If pipes were to freeze, keep the faucet open (turn on the handle on the faucet like when you go to brush your teeth) and apply heat to a section of pipe using an electric heating pad or a space heater. Apply heat until water is fully restored. Be sure to check all other faucets in your home, in most instances, if one pipe is frozen, others may freeze too.
