THIS TYPE OF COLD IS NOT A JOKE. IT’S DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS.
Wish we were joking…..only thing fun about this cold is catching up on your Netflix binge watching or that pile of summer clothes that need to be sorted.
Do you know how to stay safe in extremely cold weather? We didn't until we did our research. So think of it as a late X-mas present.
Here are some tips to help you stay out of trouble during these new East Coast coldest months (courtesy of the state's health and public safety departments):
- Watch out for your fellow humans! Check on those who are housebound to make sure they have heat, food and water. Frozen pizzas usually make a great gift or a 12 pack of some our best beer recommendations (see our Summer beer list this summer - wait, we’re oil guys. Not brewmasters).
- Feeling a bit gassy? Have you been to the gas station lately? Keep your gas tank at least half-full and carry an emergency travel kit, including blankets, extra clothing, flashlight with spare batteries, a can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for drinking water), non-perishable foods, windshields scraper, shovel, sand, tow-rope and jumper cables.
- Curl up inside with a good book. Limit time outdoors, especially for the elderly and young children. Tired of reading? Netflix and Amazon have some amazing shows in the new year (http://uproxx.com/tv/best-netflix-original-series-right-now/)
- Keep Fido indoors. Limit your pets' time outdoors. They may be covered in fur, but man, their little piggies get cold just like ours. They don’t like frostbite either.
- Don your best long-johns. Wear several layers of dry, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing.
- That nip of whiskey won't help you. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages cause you to lose heat more rapidly. Pretend we didn’t say that...but everything in moderation.
- Like your fingers and toes? Treat them right. Symptoms of frostbite include a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities. Hypothermia signs include shivering, exhaustion, slurred speech and in infants, bright red, cold skin. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.
- Love your oil company. Have you been stacking firewood all fall? Here's when it comes in handy. Have sufficient heating fuel for your home. Ehhhhh hehh, (cough cough), but I think we have that covered. Simply go to www.slickenergy.com.
- Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning risks. If you use a generator, ensure it is used outside, away from open windows, doors or air intakes. Exhaust from a generator or heating source can cause a buildup of this poisonous gas in the home.
Stay warm out there…..