Occasionally arctic blasts come from above Alaska and Northwest Canada, and sweep across the Pacific Northwest, then into Idaho and Wyoming, and southeast from there. Although we usually are not in the center of its direct path, it may still have some effect on our weather here in Utah Valley. Its effect on our valley’s lowest temperature vary, but often reduce the temperature 20 degrees or more below the average.
Another Natural Disaster topic already discussed is winter power outages. Some of those same principles apply even when you have power, during extremely cold temperatures. Let’s discuss some things to do to prepare for this scenario. This may not be a complete list – while reading this, think of other preparations and procedures that have not been included, and make them part of your plan for handling extremely cold temperatures.
- First, keep updated on the weather forecast for Utah County. The colder it gets, the greater the risk of damage and health consequences if you aren’t prepared.
- Get indoor and outdoor thermometers if you can. Place the outdoor thermometer in such a way that you can conveniently see the outdoor temperature from indoors. For both indoors and outdoors, a convenient type of thermometer to have on hand is an Infrared Laser Thermometer. These currently cost anywhere from $10 up to near $100.
- Ensure that all outside faucets are kept from freezing. Insulating foam covers are available at hardware stores, but you can alternatively wrap the faucet in fiberglass or foam insulation, using duct tape.
- On extremely cold nights, wherever you have water pipes that traverse exterior walls, take the following measures:
– If these water pipes supply a kitchen or bathroom sink, keep the lower cabinet doors open, to help the wall and pipes under it to remain above a freezing temperature.
– Keep a constant thin drizzle of water (both cold and hot water mixed) running from the indoor faucets that get their water from those endangered pipes. Remember that running water is less likely to freeze solid. - To reduce the loss of heat from your home, keep the curtains closed tight, keeping heat in and cold out. If your home feels drafty, consider rolling up a towel and placing it at the base of exterior doors.
- If your furnace is unable to keep your home comfortably heated, or you want to reduce your heating expenses, wear a sweater and warm slippers around the house. But remember that lowering your room temperature may result in a higher likelihood of frozen pipes.
- If the power goes out, consider some of the steps discussed during the “winter power outages” training item. This can be found at www.stonewoodneighbors.com/winter-power-outages.
Stonewood Neighbors 