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Dear neighbor,
This weekend and next week, Indiana is expected to face dangerously cold weather. Frigid wind chills and heavy snowfall – anywhere from four to 13 inches – could lead to frostbite and other health complications after just a few minutes of exposure. Please plan to stay indoors, but if you must leave your home, here are some tips to stay safe:
Pack an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food items, a first-aid kit, portable chargers, flashlights and extra batteries and blankets. More suggestions can be found here.
Stay away from fallen, broken or damaged power lines.
Report outages by identifying your provider and calling their hotline
AES Indiana: 317-261-8111
In the event of an outage, utility companies work around the clock to restore power. To help workers work efficiently and safely:
Remove snow and ice from your electric meter and utility equipment it’s safe to do so
Keep driveways and walkways clear to ensure crews can access your property safely
Proper clothing is also essential during this cold snap. The cold brings its own dangers: hypothermia and frostbite. It’s important to know the warning signs so you can act if necessary.
If you’re an adult, the warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. It’s especially important to bundle up your babies since infants lose heat four times faster than adults. Warning signs of hypothermia in infants include red, cold skin and very low energy.
Uncovered skin in extreme cold also increases the risk of frostbite. You should watch for redness and pain, white or grayish skin, unusually firm or waxy-feeling skin, and numbness.
Prioritize infants and vulnerable residents:
This cold front, make sure your infant’s room is the right temperature. Babies rapidly lose body heat, and they can’t generate warmth through shivering. Their sleeping areas should be warm, and dress them appropriately with no extra blankets or bedding in their crib.
Check on elderly relatives, neighbors or anyone with special needs to ensure they have adequate heat in their homes, their pathways are clear and they have what they need in case of an emergency.
Avoid frozen pipes:
Nobody wants a burst pipe, so it’s important to winterize your home. Leave your faucets dripping just a bit, open up those cabinet doors under your sinks to let warm air circulate, and keep your thermostat set at the same temperature both day and night. If you have water lines running through your garage, keep the garage doors closed. Don’t forget to disconnect your garden hose and drain any pipes leading to outdoor faucets.
Stay safe while staying warm:
If you’re using heating units that burn fuel like natural gas, kerosene, oil or wood, be careful of leaks and toxic gases. These can all produce carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless and dangerous. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely, especially when it comes to ventilation, and install a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm if you haven’t already.
When using a space heater, keep it at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, furniture or bedding. Keep electric heaters away from water and don’t set them on furniture. You should never use an extension cord with a space heater.
If the power goes out, reach for battery-powered flashlights or lanterns instead of candles if you can. Never run a generator inside your home or garage. Keep it outdoors, at least 20 feet from any windows, doors or vents, and somewhere protected from rain and snow.
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State Rep. Mitch Gore
House District 89
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