Cold Weather Safety

During extremely cold weather, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Learn how to prepare for winter storms, prevent cold temperature-related health problems, and protect yourself during all stages of a winter storm.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is called the "Silent Killer" because it's an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Many household items including gas- and oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills produce this poison gas. Following these important steps can keep your family safe.

CO DETECTORS 

• Install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home. 

• Check CO detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly. 

OIL & GAS FURNACES

 • Have your furnace inspected every year. 

PORTABLE GENERATORS

 • Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. 

• Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.


Learn more: 

https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23520-protect-against-carbon-monoxide-poisoning

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/blk_media_464.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html

  1. 1 minimize travel, stay indoors, keep a survival kit in your house and car, shut off water valves, check others
  2. 2 take breaks, don't shovel after eating, use a snow blower, dress warm with hat and gloves, push don't lift
  3. 3 layer clothing when it gets colder outside, cover your skin during extreme cold

Stay Safe Indoors:

  • Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet (1 meter) from the heat!
  • Avoid using candles because of the fire risk. Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is common during power outages when people use other means to heat and cook. You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Only use generators, grills, and camp stoves outdoors and away from windows.
  • Carbon monoxide kills. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay.
  • To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires, never heat your home with a cooking oven or stove.
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don't forget your pets with pics of animals

-Keep your pets inside with you and your family. Under no circumstances should pet cats be left outdoors, even if they roam outside during other seasons. Dogs are happiest when taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time. Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops.

-No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet's life. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. For this reason, short-haired dogs often feel more comfortable wearing a sweater—even during short walks.

-Rock salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.

-Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up any antifreeze spills immediately and keep it, like all household chemicals, out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and family.

-Dogs are at particular risk of salt poisoning in winter due to the rock salt used in many areas—often when licking it from their paws after a walk. Store de-icing salt in a safe place and wipe your dog’s paws, even after short walks. If your dog ingests rock salt, call a veterinarian immediately.

Be  Ready for Extreme Cold:

  • Gather food, water, and medicine before a winter storm. Stores might be closed, and it may be unsafe to travel.
  • You may lose access to drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day.
  • Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.
  • Learn how to spot and treat frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery back-ups.
  • Be ready to live without power, gas, and water.
  • Learn how to keep pipes from freezing.
  • Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
  • Have a battery-powered radio to use during a power outage.
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Is Your Vehicle Winter Ready?


It's never bad to be prepared for anything that may happen, especially on the road during winter. Here are supplies that will help your car moving:

  • Jumper cables
  • Snow shovel and scraper
  • Windshield scraper and brush
  • Extra windshield washer fluid and antifreeze
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Flares or reflectors
  • Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
  • Sand, road salt, strips of carpet, or kitty litter for traction
  • Tire chains or traction mats
  • Tow rope
  • Cloth or paper towels
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
  • Road maps

To keep yourself and other passengers safe while out in snow or ice, you'll want to have a few items in case of an emergency:

  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Extra clothing: cap, mittens, parka, and overshoes or boots
  • High calorie, non-perishable foods (such as candy, dried fruits or canned nuts)
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Necessary medications
  • Pocket knife
  • Manual can opener
  • Container of water


Need somewhere to get warm? In Wellesley, the following locations are are available:

  • The main branch of the library is open Monday-Sunday. Click here for hours and location.
  • The Council on Aging, 500 Washington Street. Open to the public M-F from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Sit in front of the fireplace, enjoy free coffee, tea, and newspapers.
  • Health Department , 90 Washington Street. Open M-F from  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Need Help?

  • If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. For the Wellesley Police Department  non-emergency line, call 781-235-1212. 
  • If you need financial help with heat this winter, contact the Health Department at 781-235-0135.