Emergency Preparedness Plan Activation – Cold Weather 12/20/2022
Hello PCHS Team!
We are currently activating the Emergency Preparedness Plan regarding the extremely cold weather anticipated to impact the entire State of Colorado. Specifically, the National Weather Service is forecasting a polar vortex to impact the state beginning Wednesday, December 21st through at least December 23, 2022. Temperatures are anticipated to be below freezing for approximately 33 to 65 consecutive hours including the coldest possible temperature at times reaching negative 50 degrees.
A polar vortex is a swirling batch of extremely cold air above the North Pole. The polar jet stream surrounds it and usually keeps most of the vortex contained to the north. But when that jet stream weakens or slows, it allows the vortex to spill down into the southern U.S. The cold outbreak impacting the state heavily on Thursday is unusually strong.
PCHS will be monitoring the progression of the storm and provide updates as necessary. Additionally, PCHS is directing all clients, caregivers, and staff to the following links and resources for specific extreme cold weather safety and prevention tips:
http://www.uchealth.org/today/colorado-weather-frostbite-happens-fast-so-bundle-up//
https://www.unitedwaymv.org/coldweathertips
Key terms
Frostbite:
A medical condition when skin or body tissue is damaged from freezing. It’s most common in parts of the body farthest from your heart that are exposed such as fingers, toes, ears and nose.
Hypothermia:
A sickness when your body temperature drops below what is needed to be healthy and work properly. It is the opposite of heat stroke.
Freezing Rain:
Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a layer of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.
Sleet:
Rain that turns to ice before reaching the ground.
Protect Yourself Key Messages
- Stay off roads.
- Stay indoors and dress warmly.
- Prepare for power outages.
- User generators outside only.
- Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Look for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Check on neighbors.
Featured Protective Actions
- Use carbon monoxide sensors with a battery backup on every floor.
- Do not use heating and cooking devices intended for outdoor use that are not designed with ventilation.
- Seek shelter immediately and watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Know and watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Avoid overexertion to decrease risk of heart attack.
- Stay off the roads in dangerous conditions; winterize your vehicle; avoid driving; if trapped, remain in your vehicle.
Home Emergency Supplies
Winter has arrived and you should stockpile the following supplies in the event a winter storm or power outage prevents you from leaving your home.
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- Emergency non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration
- Non-electric can opener
- Bottled water
- One week supply of essential medicines
- Extra blankets and sleeping bags
- First aid kit and manual
- Fire extinguisher
- Emergency heating equipment used properly
For more information visit: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/kits/
Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite
Wear warm clothing that covers your skin and remove any wet clothing immediately. Limit your time outdoors. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite among elderly adults, babies, people drinking alcohol, and others at risk. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect someone has hypothermia or frostbite. To learn more, call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Protecting Water Pipes
To prevent the mess and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home, apartment or business by following the simple steps below.
Keep Pipes from Freezing:
- Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers
- Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture
- Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing
- Know how to shut off water valves
Before Cold Weather
- Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing, typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic.
- Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).
- Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
When It’s Cold
- Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.
- Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.
- Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
- If you plan to be away: 1. Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or 2. drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).
If Pipes Freeze
- Make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow minimize the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.
- Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
- Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
If The Lights Go Out
If you lose electrical service during the winter, follow these tips:
- Call your utility first to determine area repair schedules. Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored.
- To help prevent freezing pipes, turn on faucets slightly. Running water will not freeze as quickly.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage.
- Make sure fuel space heaters are used with proper ventilation.
- Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning:
- DO NOT operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.
- DO NOT use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
- DO NOT use your gas oven to heat your home – prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house can create carbon monoxide gas.
Fire Safety
Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and heaters can add a cozy glow, but make sure you are using them safely.
- Always keep a screen around an open flame.
- Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
- Never burn charcoal indoors.
- Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
- When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
- Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup – and then clean it.
- Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors … and make sure they work!
- Establish a well-planned escape route for the entire family.
Staying Warm Indoors
Losing your heat when winters winds are howling is not pleasant. However, by following the following simple tips, you will weather the storm more comfortably. If your heat goes out during a winter storm:
- You can keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
- Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturers instructions.
- Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap.
- Eat well-balanced meals.
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Emergency Kit for the Car
In case you are stranded, keep an emergency supply kit in your car with these automobile extras:
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective triangle
- Ice scraper
- Car cell phone charger
- Blanket
- Map
- Cat litter or sand (for better tire traction)
Prepare Your Car for Emergencies
Have a mechanic check the following on your car before an emergency:
- Antifreeze levels
- Battery and ignition system
- Brakes
- Exhaust system
- Fuel and air filters
- Heater and defroster
- Lights and flashing hazard lights
- Oil
- Thermostat
- Windshield wiper equipment and washer fluid level
Car Safety Tips
- Keep your gas tank full in case of evacuation or power outages. A full tank will also keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Install good winter tires and make sure they have enough tread, or any chains or studs required in your local area.
- Do not drive through flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control or possibly stall. A foot of water will float many cars.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- If a power line falls on your car you are at risk of electrical shock. Stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
- If it becomes hard to control the car, pull over, stop the car and set the parking brake.
- If the emergency could affect the stability of the roadway avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards.
