BROOKLINE – The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services wishes to share cold weather safety tips ahead of the upcoming cold weather this weekend.
The forecast for this weekend, Jan. 19-21, includes additional snow on Friday, followed by frigid temperatures on Saturday and Sunday, with wind chills near or below zero across southern New England. High temperatures on all three days will be below freezing, with overnight low temperatures between 10-15 degrees.
The Brookline Department of Public Health wishes to share the following tips from the CDC to help keep residents safe in cold weather situations and conditions:
- When going outdoors, adults and children should wear:
- A hat
- Scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
- Long sleeves that are snug at the wrist
- Mittens (which are warmer than gloves)
- Water-resistant coat and boots
- Residents are also reminded to layer their clothing strategically:
- When choosing an inner layer, wear fabrics that will hold more body heat and do not absorb moisture. Wool, silk, or polypropylene will hold more body heat than cotton.
- Wear a layer of clothing for insulation. An insulation layer will help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Natural fibers, like wool, goose down, or fleece work best.
- Select your outer layer carefully. The outermost layer helps protect you from wind, rain, and snow. It should be tightly woven, and preferably water and wind resistant, to reduce loss of body heat.
- Try to stay dry while outdoors, as wet clothing chills the body quickly.
- Excess sweating will cause your body to lose more heat, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.
- Avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while de-icing and fueling your car or using a snow blower. Getting these on your skin will cause your body to lose a lot more heat.
- Do not ignore shivering, as it is an important first sign that your body is losing heat. Constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside.
Residents in rented apartments or condominiums should be aware that their landlords, trustees and designated property management are required to ensure that properties have the capacity for adequate heat — 68 degrees during the day and 64 degrees at night. Residents with malfunctioning or under-performing heating systems are encouraged to first contact the property’s responsible parties for inadequate heat issues.
If the heat issue is not addressed you should alert the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services Housing Complaint division at 617-730-2300 during normal business hours or call the non-emergency public safety dispatch line at 617-730-2222, which can be reached 24/7.
Utility services can be contacted at the following numbers:
- Eversource (electricity): 800-592-2000
- National Grid (natural gas): 800-233-5325
- Brookline Water & Sewer: 617-730-2175 (24-hour emergency line)
Residents who have a manual generator are reminded to test their generator ahead of the forecasted cold weather. Make sure to start the generator outside and away from the house.
For additional information from the CDC regarding cold weather safety, click here.
Pet owners are also reminded to take precautions during cold weather. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cold tolerance varies from pet to pet, and owners should be aware of their pet’s tolerance and adjust their activities accordingly. No pet should be left outside for long periods of time during below-freezing weather. Owners should check their dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. Following a walk, owners should also wipe down their pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove chemicals such as deicers or antifreeze.
It is also recommended that you check underneath your car, bang on the hood and honk the horn as a warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor or feral cats. For more tips regarding cold weather and animals, visit the AVMA.