Safety Tips to Help Your Family and Home Survive the Cold Spell

So if we're really lucky, it will be 13 degrees on Tuesday.

And if we're really lucky, we'll be ready. That means taking a few, easy steps now to help us get through the cold.

Ocean County government is encouraging residents to take the following precautions:

• Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. 
• Bring pets indoors.
• When using supplemental heating sources such as fireplaces or kerosene space heaters, make sure you have proper ventilation and a carbon monoxide detector in place. Always take your space heater outside to fill it.
• Make sure you have properly installed smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries every six months.
• Move all vehicles inside the garage if possible. Never leave a vehicle running with the garage doors down.
• Insulate all exposed water pipes outside the home.

During the frigid temperatures Monday night, Tuesday and Wednesday, if at all possible, stay indoors as much as possible. Other steps to take:

• Close off unoccupied rooms in the home.
• Do not use charcoal burning devices.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers as needed to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
• Allow a slow trickle of water to flow from both the hot and cold water faucets, especially if the faucet is on an exterior wall.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes and appliances near exterior walls.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and eat high caloric foods.

·      Keep a battery operated radio nearby and have fresh batteries on hand.

• Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame or torch. Shut off water and call a licensed plumber.
• Report damage, such as broken pipes and downed tree branches or power lines to the utility company, if appropriate. Avoid the area to prevent personal injury.
• If you need to drive, check on road conditions and leave yourself extra time. The frigid temperatures could ice up roads.
• When traveling equip your vehicle with a safety kit including blankets, battery jumper cables and water.