While the temperatures have come up a bit from last week’s record lows it’s a good idea to be prepared for winter weather.
While the normal temperatures for January in Middle Tennessee range from 34 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, they rarely drop below 18 or above 62 this time of year.
That wasn’t true this week as we had lows of 2 degrees with a wind chill of -7.
All that cold can have devastating effects on your property and even your health.
Many are suffering from the flu, adding an extra burden for local residents already dealing with broken pipes or worse.
The CDC recommends getting a flu shot and it’s not too late. Although the flu shot is not a guarantee of avoiding the flu, it does help build immunities in the community no matter what strain is going around.
Avoid costly home repairs by taking a few simple precautions around the house. You can winterize your home with simple steps of installing weather stripping around your house and checking your heating systems prior to a cold snap. Leaving faucets dripping when temperatures fall can also help keep your pipes from freezing or even worse bursting.
Don’t forget to prepare your car by making sure your antifreeze is still working, use a winter formula in the window washer, keep your gas tank full and keep an emergency kit in your car in case you get stranded. Some items to make sure you don’t go without are a cell phone with extra battery or charger, blankets, food and water, booster cables, compass and maps, flashlight, first aid kit and plastic bags for sanitation.
Taking precautions while outside can prevent cold injuries like hypothermia. Avoid travelling if possible during severe weather warnings, wear appropriate outdoor clothing and dress in layers, sprinkle icy spots with salt or kitty litter and learn to follow safety precautions while working outdoors by working slowly and using the buddy system.
If you do become stranded in your car, stay with your car unless safety is no more than 100 yards away, but continue to move arms and legs. Stay visible by putting bright cloth on the antenna, turning on the inside overhead light (when engine is running), and raising the hood when snow stops falling. Run the engine and heater only 10 minutes every hour. Keep a downwind window open and make sure the tailpipe is not blocked.