Mayor Michael Helfrich and the City of York wish to notify residents about potentially dangerous temperatures occurring in our area over the next 36 hours. Residents should prepare for extremely cold and windy conditions and limit their time exposed outside as much as possible. Wind Chills tonight through tomorrow morning could reach -11 °.
Please use reliable weather sources such as the National Weather Service or local meteorologists when making decisions on weather events.
Attached below is information on cold weather safety, space heaters and frozen pipes.
Preparedness tips for Extremely Cold Weather
From National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold):
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, adjust your schedule to 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 have plenty of food and water, and are not overly exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze. Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.
If you or someone you care about must venture outdoors during extreme cold this winter, dress in layers. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Try to seek shelter from the wind as much as possible while outside. Once inside again, change into dry clothing immediately if you are wet. Understand and watch for frostbite and hypothermia.
Space Heater / Generator Information
Space Heater Safety
Space heaters can provide extra comfort during the winter season. Following are some basic tips that will help ensure their safe use.
Do’s:
- For heating purposes, use only equipment that is made for home heating. Use all types of heaters carefully and follow all directions for safe use.
- Use a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and has been certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters have the most up-to-date safety features. Older space heaters may not meet newer safety standards. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.
- Make sure they are plugged directly into an outlet, not a power strip
- Place the heater on a level, hard, nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor.
- Keep the heater at least three feet away from bedding, drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials.
- Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
- Turn the heater off if you leave the area or when you go to bed
Don’ts:
- Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.
- Don’t place a space heater close to any sleeping person.
- Don’t use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use.
- Never use your oven, grill or clothes dryer to heat your home. This could cause a fire or dangerous carbon monoxide gas.
Portable heaters and burning candles that are left unattended, especially around children and pets, can create a fire hazard. Using extension cords to bring electricity into a location where electric service was shut off may create a fire hazard.
Portable Generator Safety
When using a portable generator, it is important to take precautions for your safety and the safety of those in your home. Follow these guidelines for safe generator use:
- Read the manufacturer’s safety and operating manual before using your generator.
- Never leave your generator running when you are away from your home or business.
- Check your generator regularly during operation.
- Use caution when touching your generator as many areas become hot and can burn you.
Be sure the generator is connected correctly to avoid electrical hazards.
Electricity supplied by a generator has the same hazards as your regular utility supplied electricity. You can face additional risks if your generator bypasses safety devices, such as circuit breakers, that are built into your electrical systems. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for properly grounding your generator to help avoid electrical shock.
- Be sure your hands are dry and that you are not standing in water before touching the generator.
- Never plug your generator into a wall outlet.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator using manufacturer-specified cords or three-pronged extension cords with the proper amperage rating for the intended use.
- Be aware that portable generators become hot while running and remain hot for a significant amount of time after they are shut down, creating a potential fire hazard.
Never Operate a Generator Indoors
Generators should not be operated indoors, in garages or basements, or near windows, vents or doors. Your generator should be kept well away from your home or business. A minimum distance of 25 feet is recommended. Be sure to take your neighbors/neighboring businesses’ windows, vents and doors into account when positioning your generator.
The exhaust from a generator can build up carbon monoxide (CO) – a colorless, odorless toxic gas – that can cause severe illness or even death.
- Maintain a clear space of three to four feet on all sides and above the generator to allow for proper ventilation.
- Help safeguard your home or business by installing battery-operated or plug-in/hard-wired with battery backup CO alarms. Be sure to routinely test them, and replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.
Refuel Safely
You should always use caution when refueling your portable generator. There is a risk of fire or getting burned. Follow these safety tips to ensure you properly refuel your generator.
- Shut down your generator and allow it to cool completely before refueling. Gasoline, or other fuels used to run generators can ignite if spilled on hot engine parts.
- Do not try to refuel a generator while it is running.
- Make sure all generator fuels are stored and transported in approved containers.
- Fuels should not be stored in or near your house or business. They should be stored in a separate, well-ventilated area or in an approved flammable liquids storage cabinet.
- Do not smoke around fuel containers or while refueling your generator.
Frozen Pipes
- Once the temperature begins dropping outside, you should take measures inside to keep your pipes warm and water running. Pipes located in areas that are uninsulated are at the greatest risk of freezing and bursting.
Tips to keep pipes from freezing
- Keep garage doors closed
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets doors
- Let cold water drip from your faucets
- Keep thermostat set to same temperature throughout the day and night
- If you are going way, do not turn heat off or down lower than 55⁰ F
- If you have uninsulated areas in your residence, insulate the pipes that run through those areas
- If you have a broken water line inside, locate the main shutoff valve which is normally located at the water meter. Water meter is normally located where the main water line comes into the property.
- If you have a frozen pipe contact a licensed plumber if needed.
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Philip Given
P: (717) 817-6543
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