Brrrr-acing for the coldest temps in years

Making sure people are warm and safe is part of the job for Warren Lee. NHC’s emergency management director said ensuring the homeless have a place to stay is top priority.

Shelters have been taking in extra people and are anticipating even more Friday night. Lee said, “We’re optimistic that everyone who needs a place to go has had an opportunity and will have an opportunity to go somewhere warm.”

It’s been years since this area has had to deal with this weather and the safety precautions that come with it. Lee noted, “Don’t put space heaters close to bedding or drapes or that you don’t leave them unattended, don’t go to bed with kerosene heaters unattended.”

Lee expects a number of people will wake up to frozen pipes Saturday morning. “We see it every year. People will get up and find that blow torch that they haven’t used in a year, a propone heater or something, and go in and try to warm those pipes.”

That’s the wrong way to warm them up. Lee suggested a hair dryer to thaw out pipes, but even then, don’t hold it too close for too long. “If you’ve got concerns with some of the piping inside your home, leave your cabinet doors open so that the heat of the room can get inside the cabinets and warm the pipes.”

Lee said you can also leave a faucet on a small drip to keep the water flowing. Other tips passed on are to dress in layers and bring your pets inside.