Brrr-acing for winter's deepest freeze yet

St. Mary is in for an arctic blast – or as close as we usually come.
Our neighbors closer to the Canadian border might call it “sweater weather.”
Still, the morning lows for East St. Mary are forecast to be in the mid-20s Sunday and Monday. And, while we’re outside the zone where snow or, worse yet, freezing rain are expected, that area does include extreme northwestern St. Mary.
So, in the spirit of preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, here are some winter safety tips from a variety of sources.
Staying warm
The Red Cross reminds us that winter weather can bring life-threatening conditions. Stay indoors and wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothes.
•Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or live alone.
•Avoid overexertion, such as pushing a vehicle.
•Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.
•Make sure you have enough heating fuel on hand.
•Protect pipes from freezing.
•If possible, bring your pets inside during cold winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water. If the animals are outside, make sure their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice, or other obstacles.
The three P’s
The Steinheuser farm and ranch supply operation offers these tips on protecting plants, pets and pipes.
•It’s important to remember pets like cats and dogs. Even if they are acclimated to the outdoors, they need access to shelter to protect them from cool temperatures and winds, and an unfrozen water source. Outdoor pets may also need additional caloric intake to help them maintain their body heat.
•Shelters should be insulated, include clean, dry blankets or straw for bedding, and protect from north winds.
•Frosts and freeze can damage or kill exposed plants, especially container plants.
•AgriLife Extension also has a comprehensive take on protecting landscape plants and horticultural crops from frost and freezes on their website.
•Plants in containers are more susceptible to freezing temperatures because they lack the insulation the earth naturally provides.
•Move container plants inside the home or garage, or to any area where temperatures will stay above freezing. If they can’t be moved indoors, put them on the south side of the house. Make sure to water them well and pile on mulch, leaves and hay to protect the roots and/or cover them with a frost blanket.
•When it comes to freeze damage to homes, protecting exposed pipes is critical when temperatures dip below freezing. AgriLife Extension also provides tips for preventing and thawing frozen pipes during severe weather.
•Water pipes can freeze and burst when the outside temperature reaches 20 degrees or below. Pipes exposed to severe cold, including outdoor faucets, water sprinklers, water pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics or garages, or pipes that run along exterior walls and swimming pool supply lines are at most risk.
•Outdoor water systems should be drained and covered or allowed to drip slowly to help protect from damage.
•Products made to insulate water pipes like a sleeve or heat tape should be applied to exposed water pipes. Many products are available at your local building supplies retailer. Newspaper can also provide some protection to exposed pipes, as long as exposure is not prolonged.
 Home heating
The State Fire Marshal’s Office has this information on the use of home heating appliances.
•Use heaters only in well-ventilated rooms.
•Place heaters where they will not be knocked over easily.
•Do not use heaters to dry clothing or other items.
•Keep heaters at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, and all combustibles.
•Don’t leave children alone with space heaters on. An adult should always be present when a space heater is in use. Hazards associated with unvented heaters:
•Depletion of oxygen from the room resulting in death.
•Clothing or close combustibles catching on fire when close to flames.
•Air pollution such as carbon monoxide whenever fuel is incompletely burned.
•Plug electric heaters directly into the wall socket and not into extension cords.
•Check the cords on electric heaters before using. If the cord is frayed or splitting, discard the heater.
•Any repairs to heaters should only be performed by a qualified licensed appliance repair person.
•Keep anything that may burn at least 3 feet away from the heater.
•Floor furnaces should be cleaned and vacuumed prior to usage and should be checked for proper ventilation.
•Make sure floor furnaces are clear of all coverings.
•All gas heating sources should put out a clear blue flame. If you see a primarily orange or yellowish flame, have it checked by a professional.
•In wood stoves and fireplaces, use only seasoned wood; never use green wood, plastic artificial logs, paper, or trash.
•Make sure the chimney flue is open before the fireplace is used.
•Always use a protective screen.
•Clean interiors, hearths, and chimneys yearly.
•Generators should be used in well-ventilated locations outside, away from all doors, windows, and vent openings.
•Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
•Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors, or other openings in the building.
•Make sure to install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height. Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
Working
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration says winter weather can expose outdoor workers to frostbite, hypothermia and cold stress, all of which can be fatal.
It is important to know the wind chill temperature to better prepare and perform the work safely. Follow these work practices to stay safe in cold weather:
•Know the symptoms of cold stress; reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters.
• Dress properly; wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, insulated gloves and boots, and cover your head.
•Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
•Stay dry and pack extra clothes; moisture can increase heat loss from the body.
•Take frequent breaks in warm, dry areas.
•Drink warm liquids.