Never use an oven to heat a house and take steps to avoid frozen pipes, authorities say in some of the tips for dealing with single-digit cold.
Utilities today warned residents against the risks posed by carbon monoxide and water pipes in the single-digit cold returning to the area tonight after a brief respite over the weekend.
A Pennsylvania lawmaker also wants residents to keep in mind the dangers that the weather poses to pets.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal, as well as cause symptoms ranging from headache to dizziness, UGI Utilities Inc. said today in a news release. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result from malfunctioning heating appliances or a blocked chimney. Warning signs that the gas may be building up include condensation on walls and windows, house pets becoming sluggish, plants dying and residents suffering flu-like symptoms or feeling unusually tired.
UGI warns residents experiencing symptoms to immediately seek fresh air and medical attention. Residents should also make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working; never use a generator, grill, stove or other fossil fuel-burning device inside a home, garage of other enclosed area; never heat a home with an oven if the electricity goes out; and use extra caution when using space heaters.
To monitor for natural gas problems, UGI reminds customers that it adds an odorant -- it smells like rotten eggs -- to its gas to help detect leaks. If it is smelled, evacuate the building immediately and do not use the phone, light a match or switch anything on or off. Once clear, call UGI’s emergency response number at 800-276-2722.
The Lehigh County Authority today urged precautions against frozen water pipes amid the extremely cold temperatures forecast tonight into Wednesday.
More than two dozen authority customers reported frozen water pipes or meters over the weekend, the authority said.
The authority says that:
Before it gets cold:
- Evaluate your home to determine where the coldest spots are, such as in unheated garages, crawl spaces, underneath a mobile home, etc. Check to see where your plumbing is in those spots and be sure they are properly insulated, or use heat tape to keep the pipes warm.
- If you are unable to properly insulate any of the exposed piping that you think is vulnerable to freezing, consider adding a space heater to the area (but monitor it, don’t leave it unattended), or allow a nearby faucet to trickle overnight to help prevent freezing.
- Know where your main shutoff valve is. It is usually located near your water meter. It is especially important to be able to quickly turn the water off if you notice a leak.
If your pipes freeze:
- Turn off the water at the main valve to avoid risking a leak when the pipes thaw out.
- Once the water valve is turned off, apply gentle, indirect heat to the frozen area with a hair dryer or space heater. Don’t leave them unattended and check the thawing pipes for cracks.
- Turn the water back on and monitor the area for leaks.
- Call a plumber to evaluate your plumbing to ensure it doesn’t freeze again in the future.
The subfreezing temperatures also pose dangers to pets, state Rep. Mario Scavello, R-Monroe, said today in a statement.
Animals left outside in the cold can quickly become distressed and the frigid temperatures can quickly lead to hypothermia or death, the statement reads. Windy conditions are expected this week, which can make temperatures feel even colder. Pet and livestock owners should provide dry bedding and additional food, and pets should not be left in a parked car.
Scavello urged anyone heading outside to limit their time outdoors to 30 minutes when the wind chill drops to 10 degrees or less; wear layers of clothing topped by a water-resistant outer layer; and wear a hat, scarf and mittens. Prepare vehicles by checking the antifreeze and wiper fluid levels; have an emergency kit in the trunk that includes jumper cables, a flashlight and a shovel; and store some non-perishable snacks and an extra blanket, he stated.
