Few things are less fun than extremely cold weather. In the Midwest, recent weather has given us some of the coldest days on record. In extremely cold temperatures, there are some increased risks to both people and their property. Here are some tips to keep in mind when it is extremely cold:
- Dress in layers and avoid exposed skin. When combined with wind, cold temperatures can become very dangerous to people in only minutes, especially if they are not dressed appropriately. If you are driving, make sure each passenger in your car has warm clothing available. What might normally be a minor car accident or car trouble can become a dangerous situation if not prepared.
- Keep an Eye on Friends and Family especially if they may be more vulnerable to the cold. Slip and falls outside a home, or even in a garage, can become a serious situation in extreme cold if individuals have mobility challenges. Do your best to make sure young children do not have the ability to get outside without an adult becoming aware.
- Avoid Unnecessary Travel especially in less traveled or rural areas.
- Take Steps to Protect Your Home from Damage - Based on your home, this could mean a number of different things. Here is a link to an article called "5 tips to keep your pipes from freezing" https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/5-tips-to-keep-your-pipes-from-freezing which provides some great ideas.
By following a few easy tips, you can help keep your family and property safe, even during cold weather. Take heart, warmer weather is around the corner!