Wind Chill Advisory Issued; Residents Urged to Follow Cold Weather Tips
By: WHAG Weather Team
Updated: January 21, 2013
HAGERSTOWN, MD - Some of the coldest air the Four State has seen in quite awhile is on the way for the next few days, and folks at the National Weather Service want to pass along some safety tips to keep you and your family safe when the thermometer drops.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory from 10:00 PM Monday through 6:00 PM Tuesday for the following counties in the viewing area:
In Maryland: Allegany, Garrett
In West Virginia: Grant, Hampshire, Hardy and Mineral
Wind chill values in the advisory area are expected to go below -5 degrees during this time frame.
Here are some safety tips to remember when cold weather affects the region:
- Stay indoors during the storm/cold temperatures.
- Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
- If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
- Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
- Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees F.
Stay with the WHAG Weather team with winter and severe weather
hits the area, we'll keep you informed as these events roll though on
their social media platforms as well as Your4State.com.
Meteorologist Bryan Tolle: Facebook / Twitter
Meteorologist Alan Auglis: Facebook / Twitter
Meteorologist Dan Peck: Facebook/ Twitter
WHAG Weather Alert Network: Facebook / Twitter
