Shrewsbury Town officials and the Central MA Regional Public Health Alliance (CMRPHA) are urging all residents to take precautions during the extreme cold and wind over the next couple of days.
Extreme cold and wind expected for Friday, February 3 through Saturday, February 4, 2023.
Extreme Cold Safety Tips:
- Stay indoors as much as possible, especially during extreme cold and high winds.
- Keep an emergency supply kit in your car.
- Open cabinet doors that enclose any indoor pipes to allow warm air to circulate and prevent freezing.
- Dry your clothes at a lower temperature when drying heavy loads to guard against accidental fires.
- Heat your home safely. Follow the Manufacturer's instructions for heating your home with a space heater. Keep three (3) feet of space around the space heater, and use a dedicated outlet.
- Check on elderly friends and neighbors often.
- Avoid caffeine – dehydration occurs quickly in cold, dry weather. Keep well hydrated, especially when exerting yourself.
- Avoid outdoor exposure for extended periods of time and cover exposed skin. Dress in layers and stay dry.
- Be on the lookout for frostbite (which can develop in under a minute). Symptoms of frostbite include:
- Loss of feeling and white/pale skin on fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
- Keep pets indoors for protection against the cold and check paws for signs of injury/damage – they are sensitive just like us!
Related Links:
MASS.GOV
The Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Ready
MA Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)