January 17, 2025
Prepare for the extreme cold
The coldest temperatures of the season are approaching this weekend, starting Saturday, Jan. 18, through Tuesday, Jan. 21. Wind chill and air temperature is very dangerous, and the effects of extreme cold happen quickly.
The following are some tips to prepare for the upcoming cold front.
- Dress appropriately
- Wear layers, waterproof boots and warm hats.
- Limit your time outside as much as possible.
- Be aware of hypothermia symptoms.
- Winterize your vehicle
- Check battery, wipers and coolant.
- Pack an emergency supply kit in your vehicle.
- Share your travel plans with someone.
- Winterize your home
- Insulate exposed pipes.
- Caulk and weather strip doors/windows.
- Inspect chimney, insulate attic.
- Gather supplies.
- Don't forget your pets
- Keep them warm and dry.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Provide plenty of food and water.
- Put on layers — including paws — when outside.
- If you lose power
- Be careful with heat sources — including candles and space heaters.
- Wear multiple layers.
- Practice portable generator safety.
- Close blinds or curtains to keep in heat.
- Close off unused rooms to avoid wasting heat.
The following are reminders of how you can help prepare your building — and help out the Facilities team:
- Please close all windows to keep heat in the building. We do understand that due to the way some of our buildings are heated, they can be warmer than we'd like on warmer days.
- If there are issues that you have in your building — examples include no heat in buildings or existing water leaks — please let the Customer Service team know.
- If there is something that you feel could be an issue over an extended period away, please make sure that is conveyed in the reporting of the issue.