NORTH HAVEN – In anticipation of below freezing temperatures this week, Chief Paul Januszewski and the North Haven Fire Department would like to provide the community with several important safety tips in the event of inclement weather.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather alert beginning tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 14 into Thursday night. Temperatures at night could reach as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
A wintry mix is predicted to occur late Thursday into early Friday morning. One to 3 inches of snow and sleet can be expected at the onset, before changing over to rain and freezing rain overnight.
The coldest periods are forecast to be Wednesday night into Thursday morning. With this type of weather, frostbite and hypothermia are possible for those without proper protection from the cold.
“While we’ve yet to be hit by a big snow storm this season, it’s likely we’ll be impacted by extremely low temperatures in the upcoming weeks,” Chief Januszewski said. “To best ensure everyone’s safety, we ask that residents take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and their homes during this cold weather.”
The North Haven Fire Department recommends that residents follow these important tips:
- Never use your oven as a heat source.
- Place electric or space heaters at least 3 feet away from bedding or combustible materials. Do not use electric or space heaters while sleeping.
- Keep stocks of batteries on hand for radios and flashlights in case of a power outage.
- Never leave candles unattended.
- Beware of carbon monoxide and stay safe by never warming up your car in the garage, servicing your heating system at least once per year, and making sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and change batteries twice per year. Make sure smoke detectors are working on every floor of your home.
For pet owners unsure of what protections their pets need during cold weather, the Humane Society provides the following tips for keeping animals safe:
- Keep pets sheltered and inside. Cats should never be left outdoors in cold weather, even if they roam outside during other seasons. Dogs should be taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time.
- Bundle up dogs, especially short-haired dogs, with protective gear, such as sweaters and boots, to avoid the risks of frostbite and hypothermia from exposed skin and paws.
Call 911, a direct line to the police department and fire/EMS, for emergencies only. All other questions or concerns should be reported to the North Haven Fire Department’s business line, 203-239-5321 ext. 100.
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