A few changes going into this winter season with the replacement of Wind Chill products. Introducing Extreme Cold Weather products with “Cold Weather Advisories” now in place for areas of the Delmarva region starting tonight through Wednesday morning.

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
NOON EST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 7 below expected.

* WHERE...Delaware, northeast Maryland, central to southern New
  Jersey, and southeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon EST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if
  precautions are not taken. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if
  unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a
hat, and gloves.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills
inside.

Extreme Cold Warning vs Watch and Cold Weather Advisory

• Extreme Cold Warning: Take Action! An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with an Extreme Cold Warning, avoid going outside. If you have to go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination.
• Extreme Cold Watch: Be Prepared. An Extreme Cold Watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible. As with a Warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.
• Cold Weather Advisory: Be Aware. A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when seasonably cold air temperatures or wind chill values, but not extremely cold values, are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.

Dangerous wind chills dropping down below zero are expected for the next few nights here on Delmarva as winds will be gusting 20-30 mph. Temperatures dropping down to the single digits making it the coldest nights we have seen in the last several years.

Extremely cold air comes every winter into at least part of the country and affects millions of people across the United States. The arctic air can be dangerous. Combined with brisk winds, dangerously cold wind chill values can result. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite and can succumb to hypothermia in a matter of minutes. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

Prepare for Cold Weather

The way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia is to plan for extreme cold before it arrives. Don’t get caught unprepared.

• Check the Forecast at weather.gov or your favorite weather app, station, etc.: Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you’ll know when to expect cold weather.
• Adjust Your Schedule: If possible, avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning. Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting for the school bus outside.
• Protect Your Pets, Livestock and other Property: If you have pets or farm animals, make sure they are not overly exposed to extreme cold and have plenty of food and water that has not frozen.Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze. Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.
• Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.
• Dress for the outdoors even if you don’t think you’ll be out much.
• Update Your Winter Car Survival Kit: Make sure your car survival kit has the following:
  • Jumper cables: flares or reflective triangle are great extras
  • Flashlights: Replace the batteries before the winter season starts and pack extras
  • First Aid Kit: Carry essential medications with you in a purse or bag
  • Baby gear: Diapers and any special formula or food
  • Medical supplies: Materials for any special medical needs.
  • Food: Non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, dry cereal and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars
  • Water: At least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days
  • Basic toolkit: Pliers, wrench, screwdriver
  • Pet supplies: Food and water
  • Radio: Battery or hand cranked
  • Cat litter or sand: For better tire traction
  • Shovel: To dig out snow
  • Ice scraper: Have one in the car even if you usually park in a garage
  • Clothes: Dress for the weather in warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change cold weather of clothes
  • Warmers: For body, hands and feet
  • Blankets or sleeping bags: If you get stranded you’ll be glad to have it.
  • Charged Cell Phone: And keep a spare charger in your car 

Essential Tasks After it Warms Up

• Check Your Pipes: Your pipes may be frozen. Water pipes on exterior walls and in places that are subject to cold, like in the basement, attic, and under kitchen cabinets, freeze most often. Water expands as it freezes, causing pipes to burst. If they are frozen, first turn on the faucet. Water will drip as you warm the pipes. Heat the pipes using a space heater, heating pad, electric hair dryer, or hot water on a cloth. Never use an open flame. Continue until water pressure returns to normal or call a plumber if you have more issues.
• Salt Your Walkways: Once it warms up enough to go out, it’s important to shovel the snow from your sidewalks and driveway or sprinkle salt if there is ice. If there is a thick layer of snow on the ground that you cannot move, salt the area so that the snow melts. You should also put down salt if there is ice on the stairs leading into your house – less than a quarter inch of ice can be dangerous!
• Call Your Neighbors: Check to see that your neighbors are okay, particularly seniors, disabled persons, or others living alone. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after extreme cold, particularly if there are power outages. Cases of frostbite and hypothermia are also common for elderly people who were stuck in their homes.
• Refill Your Supplies: This cold event may be over, but there might be another one soon. It is important to always be prepared.