Pets to power, frostbite to frozen pipes: Erie winter weather survival guide

Staff report
·6 min read

When Erie region forecasts call for dangerous wind chills and temperatures, the Erie Times-News and GoErie has compiled tips to help you be prepared.

Here are a few resources:

Weather

Weather forecasts: Check www.goerie.com/weather frequently for updated forecasts and emergency weather alerts. Live radar is also available there and you can search by ZIP code to find specifics.

Travel

PennDOT: Check traffic alerts and monitor weather conditions on PennDOT's website, www.511pa.com.

Erie International Airport: Check any flight's status at the airport going into or out of Erie International Airport with the airport's live flight monitor. The live flight monitor will display any cancelations or delays. Most international airports offer similar features.

Parking: Parking in the city will be as normal unless noted by the Erie mayor via a Snow Emergency in the city. Obey all parking signs and odd-even rules as they normally apply unless otherwise mandated.

Tips:

  • Cold can affect vehicle operation. Check your vehicle's antifreeze levels, battery and ignition system, brakes, exhaust system, fuel and air filters, heater and defroster, lights and flashing hazards, oil, thermostat, tires, windshield wipers and windshield fluid.

  • Keep a cold weather emergency kit in your car which includes water bottles, jumper cables, nonperishable food, blankets and clothing.

Frozen pipes

Be proactive. If you have a pipe that could potentially freeze, let water drip or run slowly through it. This is most common with pipes close to the exterior of a home.

Do not use blow torches or any tool with an open flame to heat frozen pipes. Here's how to troubleshoot frozen pipes:

  • Shut off the water immediately. Don't try to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.

  • Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it. Use a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Be sure not to leave space heaters unattended. Do not use kerosene heaters or open flames.

  • Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.

Call a plumber if you need help. If you encounter low water pressure, call Erie Water Works to check on a water main leak or break: 814-870-8087

Power outages

Should your power go out, do not operate generators inside your home or use a gas oven to heat your residence. The motor can emit carbon monoxide gas.

Call your power service provider to check on estimated repairs. Penelec has a power outage map that is useful to determine where the outage is located and how widespread it is or call Penelec at 1-888-544-4877 (1-888-LIGHTSS) immediately for help.

Turn off and unplug lights and appliances to avoid any circuit overloads once the power is back on. Select one light to leave on to watch for power restoration.

Keep your refrigerator door closed to avoid spoiling food.

In case of emergency, most municipalities will open warming shelters in the event of a widespread power outage during severe winter weather. If you need assistance, call your local municipality to see where you can go.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning can become an issue when your home's windows and doors are sealed up for the winter. Make sure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector and follow a few tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Don't use a gas stove or oven to heat your home

  • Have your heating system, water heater or other gas appliances serviced each year

  • Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors

Emergency supplies

Create a home emergency supply kit to have on hand if you're unable to leave your home for a few days. Keep this kit stored in an easily accessible location in your home. Some wise things to keep in that kit are:

  • Non-perishable food items

  • Bottled water

  • Essential medicines

  • First aid kit

  • Blankets, sleeping bags and emergency heating equipment

  • Flashlights

  • Battery-operated radio

  • Extra batteries

  • Fire extinguisher

Animals

Keep pets indoors when possible. Ensure that you have supplies for clean-up for your companion animals, particularly if they are used to eliminating outdoors (large plastic bags, paper towels, and extra cat litter).

Libre's Law, which went into effect in Pennsylvania in 2017, also mandates that

• dog owners are not permitted to tether their animals outside for more than 9 hours in a 24-hour period and cannot leave dogs outside for longer than 30 minutes in temperatures above 90 degrees or below 30 degrees;

• dogs must have access to water and shade, must be on a tether either three times the length of the dog or 10 feet, and must be in a tethered space that is clear of excessive waste; and

• dog owners are permitted to keep their animals outside 24 hours a day if they are not tethered and in a fenced pen or yard, have shelter and nourishment and are in a clean environment.

More: Pet owners reminded to focus on pet safety during winter weather surges in Pennsylvania

Frostbite/hypothermia

Frostbite is the freezing of a specific body part such as fingers, toes, the nose or earlobes.

Signs of frostbite:

  • Lack of feeling in the affected area

  • Skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch or is discolored (flushed, white or gray, yellow or blue)

What to do for frostbite:

  • Move the person to a warm place

  • Handle the area gently. Never rub the affected area

  • Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water (100–105 degrees) until it appears red and feels warm

  • Loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressings

  • If fingers or toes are frostbitten, place dry, sterile gauze between them to keep them separated

  • Avoid breaking any blisters

  • Do not allow the affected area to refreeze

  • Seek professional medical care as soon as possible

Hypothermia is the cooling of the body caused by the failure of the body's warming system. The goals of first aid are to restore normal body temperature and to care for any conditions while waiting for EMS personnel.

Signs of hypothermia:

  • Shivering

  • Numbness or weakness

  • Glassy stare

  • Apathy or impaired judgment

  • Loss of consciousness

What to do for hypothermia:

  • Call 911

  • Gently move the person to a warm place

  • Monitor breathing and circulation

  • Give rescue breathing and CPR if needed

  • Remove any wet clothing and dry the person

  • Warm the person slowly by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on the person.

  • Hot water bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when first wrapped in a towel or blanket before applying. Do not warm the person too quickly, such as by immersing him or her in warm water.

  • Warm the core first (trunk, abdomen), not the extremities (hands, feet)

Where to get warm

Temporary overflow warming shelters hosted at various churches in Erie are open to the homeless. Visit www.mhanp.org/ONPSchedule.jpg for the schedule.

Sources: National Weather Service, Red Cross, Penelec, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Erie County Emergency Management, Mental Health Association.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie winter weather survival guide