It’s the news of the week: most everyone across the US is scrambling to their thermostats to turn up the heat as unusually cold weather hits the nation.
According to CNN meteorologist Pedram Javaheri, “About 70% of the United States is going to feel very cold temperatures in the next couple of days.”
The National Weather Service predicts that the low for International Falls, Minnesota this week should be around -17° F. But even Southerners will feel the cold; in Atlanta residents are bracing themselves for a low temperature of 12° F. Brr!
Besides just being unpleasant, cold weather can pose risks for people who aren’t well prepared. Here are a few tips for effectively managing cold weather risks:
Make sure your furnace or heat pump is ready.
When the weather is cold, your furnace or heat pump has to work harder to keep up. If it’s not in good shape to begin with, you could end up with a heat pump breakdown in the middle of the coldest weather of the winter. Most heat contractors offer preventative maintenance, which is better than emergency repairs!
Be Careful With Supplemental Heat Sources
Don’t ever use an oven to heat up your home; it can be a carbon monoxide poisoning risk. If you need to use space heaters, make sure you keep them away from furniture and draperies and that you turn them off whenever your not around, or when you’re tucked in bed.
Pack and Emergency Bag
Traffic back ups and car problems abound when winter weather hits. Always have a bag with food, water, blankets, and extra clothes when you’re on the road.
Before you know it, you’ll be turning on the air conditioner again. Until then, don’t forget a hat!
