Cold case: Some hot tips for staying safe

With temperatures on the way that could dip below zero, residents can prevent or prepare to handle cold-weather emergencies. Hypothermia and frostbite can injure or kill. Plumbing can burst. Risk of house fires increases. Vehicles may not start. Here are some timely tips:

At home

•Emergency kit should include a flashlight, portable radio, extra batteries, nonperishable foods, water, medicine, first-aid supplies, emergency heat source, fire extinguisher and smoke detector.

•Protect water pipes from freezing and bursting. A slow stream of water will keep exposed pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors below sinks. Do not thaw with a propane torch; a hair dryer is safer.

•Use space heaters with caution. Keep all flammable materials away from space heaters. Conserve heat by closing curtains.

Outdoors

•Shivering, drowsiness, incoherence and memory loss are symptoms of hypothermia, caused by prolonged exposure to cold. Seek medical help if body temperature drops below 95 degrees.

•Avoid overexertion such as heavy shoveling, pushing a car or walking in deep snow. The strain can cause a heart attack.

•Dress in lighter-weight, loose-fitting winter clothing layers and wear a hat and mittens or gloves. Stay dry. Avoid perspiration.

•If stranded outdoors, find shelter. Build a fire.

Auto care

•If caught in a vehicle, run motor and heater for 10 minutes each hour. Crack window for fresh air. Exercise periodically by moving arms and legs.

•Carry a vehicle winter storm kit, including blanket, flashlight, extra batteries, knife, first-aid kit, high-calorie food, water, tools, tow rope, sand, matches, maps and compass.

•Test an older car battery. Cold can cause a battery to fail suddenly. If jump-starting a vehicle, make sure electrical systems have compatible voltage ratings. It’s better to replace an old battery than to risk having your car not start. Also, make sure your vehicle has adequate antifreeze.

Source: National Weather Service, city of Spokane