Winter weather comes with various hazards that can pose risks to people’s safety and well-being. These dangers include carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia, and frozen pipes that can burst and cause significant damage to homes. Public safety officials and experts emphasize the importance of preparing for these winter weather hazards to stay safe.
With millions of people in the United States facing moderate to heavy snowfall from Kansas City to Washington, and cold conditions gripping the East Coast, it is crucial to take precautions to protect yourself and your home.
During a winter storm, it is recommended to stay indoors to avoid exposure to the harsh weather conditions. However, prolonged use of home heating systems can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, as furnaces, stoves, and heaters can emit deadly fumes. Carbon monoxide can also be produced by portable generators or running cars in garages for warmth or charging devices. The odorless and colorless nature of carbon monoxide makes it difficult to detect, and symptoms of poisoning can range from headaches to loss of consciousness.
Hypothermia is another significant concern during cold weather, especially for those exposed to freezing temperatures and strong winds. Prolonged exposure to frigid conditions can lead to the body losing heat faster than it can generate it, resulting in hypothermia. It is essential to have a warm and safe shelter with necessary supplies to mitigate the risk of hypothermia, particularly for vulnerable populations like individuals with disabilities or homelessness.
Frozen pipes are a common issue during severe winter weather, particularly in the South where pipes are often located outside structures. Insulating exposed pipes and turning off and draining sprinkler systems can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
By being aware of these winter weather hazards and taking proactive measures to protect yourself and your home, you can stay safe and prepared during inclement weather conditions.
To help prevent pipes from freezing during cold weather, it is recommended to allow faucets inside a home to drip so that water can continuously flow through the pipes and protect them. According to Parra, a significant percentage, estimated to be between 80% to 90%, of plumbing issues could have been avoided with some proactive maintenance.
Electric vehicles may face challenges in cold weather conditions, but experts suggest that with proper planning and minor adjustments, owners should be able to maintain normal travel routines. Within electric vehicle batteries, lithium ions move through a liquid electrolyte to generate electricity. However, the movement of ions slows down in cold temperatures, resulting in reduced energy release and diminished driving range.
In the near future, automakers are expected to develop improved methods for preserving battery life and warming batteries for charging purposes. Neil Dasgupta, an associate professor of mechanical and materials science engineering at the University of Michigan, mentioned to The Associated Press that advancements are likely to be made in this area. Additionally, ongoing research is focusing on creating new battery chemistries that are more resilient in cold weather conditions.
___
Tom Krisher contributed to this report.
