Brrr it’s cold in Chicago by Lisa

If anyone is like me, they are counting down the days until this brutally cold winter ends. In the meantime, though, we need to take safety precautions in these below zero temperatures. Here are a few tips:

Staying Safe Outdoors
• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wool offers good protection from extreme cold and moisture.
• Don’t forget to wear a hat, gloves and scarf. In extreme cold, frostbite can occur within 60 seconds. Make sure to cover all exposed skin.
• Restrict outdoor exposure for infants, children and pets.
Staying Safe Indoors
• Never use your oven for heat.
• Use electric space heaters with extreme care, and avoid placing them near curtains or other flammable materials. Be sure to turn them off before going to bed.
• Keep cabinet doors open under kitchen and bathroom sinks overnight to help prevent frozen water pipes, and insulate water pipes in unheated spaces, like garages, basements and crawl spaces.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in every level of your home, replacing the batteries at least twice a year.
Staying Safe on the Road
• Don’t run your car or truck in your garage, even if you leave the door open, and make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow, ice and other debris.
• Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Maintain a full tank of gas.