{"id":11676,"date":"2025-01-06T16:32:41","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T21:32:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/?p=11676"},"modified":"2025-01-06T16:32:41","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T21:32:41","slug":"dangerous-cold-following-major-winter-storm-how-to-prepare-ahead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/dangerous-cold-following-major-winter-storm-how-to-prepare-ahead\/","title":{"rendered":"Dangerous Cold Following Major Winter Storm: How To Prepare Ahead"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With the recent snowstorm blanketing the region and extreme cold temperatures expected to follow, it’s crucial to take precautions to safeguard both your health and your home. Freezing temperatures can pose significant risks, from hypothermia and frostbite to frozen pipes that can cause extensive water damage. Here’s a guide to staying safe and minimizing damage during this extreme weather event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Threat of Frozen Pipes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When temperatures drop below freezing, unprotected pipes are at risk of freezing. Water expands as it freezes, which can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to costly repairs and potential water damage to your home. With the recent deep snow pack, temperatures will likely plummet over the next few nights ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Keep Water Flowing:<\/strong> Allow a small trickle of water to flow from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Open Cabinet Doors:<\/strong> Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Insulate Pipes:<\/strong> Use pipe insulation or heat tape on exposed pipes, especially those in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and garages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Seal Drafts:<\/strong> Check for drafts near pipes and seal any gaps in walls, windows, or doors to prevent cold air from reaching them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Maintain Indoor Temperature:<\/strong> Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even at night, to reduce the risk of freezing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What to Do if Pipes Freeze:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Turn Off the Water:<\/strong> If you suspect a pipe has frozen, shut off the water at the main valve to prevent flooding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Thaw Pipes Safely:<\/strong> Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or space heater to warm the frozen pipe slowly. Never use an open flame, as this can cause a fire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Check for Leaks:<\/strong> Once the pipe is thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for any leaks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Protecting Yourself and Your Family<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Cold weather poses significant health risks, particularly hypothermia and frostbite. Knowing how to dress and recognizing the signs of cold-related illnesses can prevent serious health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Tips for Staying Warm:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Dress in Layers:<\/strong> Wear multiple layers of clothing, including a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Cover Extremities:<\/strong> Wear a hat, gloves, scarf, and thermal socks. Most body heat is lost through the head and extremities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Stay Dry:<\/strong> Wet clothing can rapidly decrease body temperature. If your clothing becomes wet, change into dry clothes as soon as possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Limit Time Outdoors:<\/strong> Try to minimize outdoor activities during extreme cold. If you must go outside, take frequent breaks to warm up indoors.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Recognizing Cold-Related Illnesses:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Hypothermia:<\/strong> Symptoms include shivering, confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect hypothermia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Frostbite:<\/strong> Frostbite can affect fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Skin may appear white or grayish-yellow and feel numb or hard. Gradually warm the affected area and seek medical help.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Preparing Your Vehicle for Extreme Cold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
          \"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          In addition to protecting your home and health, ensure your vehicle is ready for the extreme cold:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Check Antifreeze Levels:<\/strong> Ensure your vehicle has the correct amount of antifreeze to prevent engine freezing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Inspect the Battery:<\/strong> Cold weather reduces battery efficiency. Have your battery tested and replace it if necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Maintain Tire Pressure:<\/strong> Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop. Check and inflate your tires to the recommended levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          4. Keep an Emergency Kit:<\/strong> Include blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight, snacks, water, and a first aid kit in case you become stranded.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Extreme cold following a snowstorm presents a range of hazards, from frozen pipes and water damage to serious health risks like hypothermia. By taking proactive measures to protect your home, vehicle, and personal safety, you can minimize the impact of this severe weather. Stay informed by monitoring local weather reports and follow the advice of emergency management officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Stay safe and warm!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            With the recent snowstorm blanketing the region and extreme cold temperatures expected to follow, it’s crucial to take precautions to safeguard both your health and your home. Freezing temperatures can pose significant risks, from hypothermia and frostbite to frozen pipes that can cause extensive water damage. Here’s a guide to staying safe and minimizing damage […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":11677,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[29],"tags":[218,32,41,678,38,680,47,443],"class_list":["post-11676","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-cold","tag-delaware","tag-delmarva","tag-extreme-cold","tag-news","tag-pipe-burst","tag-sussex-county","tag-weather"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/frozen-pipes-graphic-1024x768-1.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbtNqq-32k","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":20533,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/dangerous-cold-expected-this-week-safety-tips-as-frozen-pipe-and-hypothermia-risks-increase\/","url_meta":{"origin":11676,"position":0},"title":"Dangerous Cold Expected This Week: Safety Tips as Frozen Pipe and Hypothermia Risks Increase","author":"Admin","date":"January 26, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"An extended period of dangerously cold weather is expected this week, with overnight low temperatures dropping into the single digits and wind chills falling below zero for several nights. These conditions increase the risk of frozen pipes, hypothermia, and other cold related hazards across the region. Residents are urged to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-26-2026-01_49_43-PM.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-26-2026-01_49_43-PM.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-26-2026-01_49_43-PM.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-26-2026-01_49_43-PM.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-26-2026-01_49_43-PM.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":54702,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/national-weather-service-issues-freeze-warning-for-delaware-through-sunday-morning\/","url_meta":{"origin":11676,"position":1},"title":"National Weather Service Issues Freeze Warning for Delaware Through Sunday Morning","author":"Admin","date":"April 20, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The National Weather Service Mount Holly has issued a freeze warning for the Delaware area starting Saturday evening and continuing through Sunday morning at 9 AM. Residents are advised to protect sensitive plants and outdoor plumbing from potentially damaging freezing temperatures.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776667007811.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776667007811.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776667007811.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776667007811.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776667007811.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":48292,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/freeze-warning-in-effect-for-delmarva-protect-plants-and-pipes-tonight\/","url_meta":{"origin":11676,"position":2},"title":"Freeze Warning in Effect for Delmarva: Protect Plants and Pipes Tonight","author":"Admin","date":"April 7, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A Freeze Warning is in effect across Delmarva from 2 AM to 9 AM Wednesday, with temperatures dropping as low as 28 degrees.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775559942719.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775559942719.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775559942719.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775559942719.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775559942719.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":48485,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/freeze-warning-in-effect-protect-plants-and-pipes-as-temperatures-drop-to-near-30\/","url_meta":{"origin":11676,"position":3},"title":"Freeze Warning in Effect: Protect Plants and Pipes as Temperatures Drop to Near 30","author":"Admin","date":"April 7, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A Freeze Warning is in effect across Delmarva with temperatures dropping to 28-31 degrees Wednesday morning, threatening plants and outdoor plumbing.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775581738080.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775581738080.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775581738080.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775581738080.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775581738080.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":48545,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/cold-weather-alert-freezing-temperatures-expected-through-tuesday-morning-4\/","url_meta":{"origin":11676,"position":4},"title":"Cold Weather Alert: Freezing Temperatures Expected Through Tuesday Morning","author":"Admin","date":"April 7, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch for the region starting Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Residents should prepare for potentially damaging cold temperatures that could affect sensitive vegetation and outdoor plumbing.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775588787886.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775588787886.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775588787886.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775588787886.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775588787886.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":48914,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/freeze-warning-in-effect-protect-plants-and-pipes-as-temperatures-drop-below-freezing\/","url_meta":{"origin":11676,"position":5},"title":"Freeze Warning in Effect: Protect Plants and Pipes as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing","author":"Admin","date":"April 8, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A Freeze Warning continues until 9 AM across parts of Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore, with temperatures dropping as low as 28 degrees.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775646344906.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775646344906.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775646344906.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775646344906.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775646344906.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11676","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11676"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11676\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11682,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11676\/revisions\/11682"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11677"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11676"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11676"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11676"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}