HOUSTON — The arrival of winter weather presents several risks that individuals must actively manage to ensure warmth and safety.
These risks can range from carbon monoxide poisoning to hypothermia, and even the issue of frozen pipes that can cause significant damage to homes.
Safety experts urge that there are effective measures people can take to prepare for these winter-related dangers and enhance their overall safety.
These warnings are particularly relevant this week as millions across the United States are anticipated to experience moderate to heavy snowfall from Kansas City to Washington, with cold temperature conditions extending along the East Coast.
**Staying Safe Indoors**
During a winter storm, it is recommended that individuals remain indoors. However, as heating systems are kept running for extended durations, there’s an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, a dangerous gas that can be emitted by furnaces, stoves, and heating units, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Carbon monoxide can also be generated from the use of portable generators or when cars are idled in garages for warmth or to charge electronic devices.
Dr. Alex Harding, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, emphasizes that carbon monoxide is particularly perilous because it is both odorless and colorless, making it difficult for individuals to detect.
“The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be quite subtle, beginning with mild headaches or nausea and potentially escalating to loss of consciousness and seizures,” he noted.
**Awareness of Hypothermia**
The cold snap affecting the East Coast can pose severe risks, including the potential for hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to frigid conditions.
According to Jon Palmer, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, this week’s winter storms are moving southward, meaning colder air could reach areas as far down as Georgia.
Palmer warns that chilly temperatures, combined with winds, can lead to a rapid drop in perceived temperatures, raising the risk of frostbite and hypothermia faster than expected.
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat quicker than it can generate it, and this risk is amplified for those outdoors without adequate clothing or when clothing becomes wet.
“To mitigate these risks, it’s critical to find a warm, safe place with access to food and water,” Harding advised, indicating the special needs of vulnerable groups such as those with disabilities or homelessness, who may struggle to find shelter.
**Protecting Plumbing from Freezing**
Frozen pipes pose a significant problem during severe winter storms, particularly in southern regions where plumbing may be exposed outside.
Jose Parra, a master plumber at Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical in Houston, recommends insulating any exposed pipes, draining sprinkler systems, and allowing indoor faucets to drip during freezing temperatures to prevent water stagnation.
“A vast majority of plumbing issues we address, around 80% to 90%, could have been averted with some proactive measures,” Parra noted.
**Electric Vehicle Challenges**
As temperatures drop, electric vehicles can also face difficulties, but experts affirm that with proper adjustments and planning, owners can still travel effectively.
Lithium ions in EV batteries operate through a liquid electrolyte to generate electricity, but their flow slows in cold conditions, reducing energy output and range.
In response to these challenges, automakers are expected to develop new strategies to protect battery life and improve heating for charging, as indicated by Neil Dasgupta, an associate professor at the University of Michigan.
Innovative battery technologies are also on the horizon, designed to withstand harsher cold climates.
