| New Gloucester Fire Rescue – Press Release Feb, 1, 2023 |
This upcoming weekend, our region will experience extreme cold weather starting Thursday evening and running through Sunday. The coldest period will be overnight Friday into Saturday. Maine EMA has shared tips to stay safe during the event and safety information regarding frozen pipes.
To prevent water pipes from freezing:
- If there are water supply lines in the garage, keep the garage doors closed.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sink is on an exterior wall.
- Leave your thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night – A cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
- If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home and set to a temperature no lower than 55F.
If your pipes do freeze, you can safely thaw them by:
- Turning on the faucet because running water through the pipe, as cold as it is, will help melt any ice in the pipe.
- Applying heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater that’s kept away from flammable materials. Do NOT use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame because high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.
Additional tips to stay safe during extremely cold weather:
- Avoid prolonged outdoor activities.
- In the event you become stranded in your car, your emergency car kit should have blankets, a first aid kit, food and water, a cellphone charger, and a flashlight with extra batteries.
- Prepare for power outages. If using a portable generator, always operate it outdoors and away from any open window. Ensure you have working smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors.
- Do safety checks on your elderly neighbors and those who are ill.
- Individuals with medical or life support devices should have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. Notify your utility company, local fire or police department if you need assistance.
- Do not leave your pet outside for extended periods of time. Provide shelter for livestock and be sure their water supply is not frozen.
Heating Safety Tips:
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- If using a portable heater, remember to keep combustibles at least 3 feet away. Shut off the heater when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Follow manufacturers recommendations for all heating equipment and use the correct fuel.
- Have working smoke and CO detectors. Check to make sure they are working properly. In the event of a fire have an escape plan. When leaving the home in the case of the fire, shut the door behind you if you are able to do so.
- If we lose power, operate generators in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors, and vent openings.
In addition to the information released by MEMA, potential warming shelters will be opened based on demand and in coordination with State, County, and Local emergency management officials. For more information regarding warming, visit MEMA’s website, dial 2-1-1, or contact your local fire department. Please stock up on necessary supplies, fuel, and food. Our department will be staffed and ready to assist as needed.
Contact: Captain Hale Fitzgerald
207-926-4142
hfitzgerald@newgloucester.com
