The Coastal Health District is preparing for a period of unseasonably cold weather, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing through early next week. The coldest conditions are expected Saturday night into Sunday morning, when life-threatening wind chills could drop into the single digits in some areas. Conditions will be slightly warmer Sunday night into Monday morning, though wind chills in the teens are still possible.

In addition, an area of low pressure is forecast to develop off the Southeast coast this weekend and may bring snowfall, particularly to our northern counties. At this time, there is still considerable uncertainty regarding the timing and amount of any snowfall.

While extreme cold poses risks for everyone, some individuals are more vulnerable than others. Please take time to check on family members, friends, and neighbors to make sure they have adequate warmth and are staying safe.

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Remember the Four P’s of Winter Safety

Protect People
Check in on children, older adults, and anyone with functional, access, or medical needs. Make sure they have adequate heat, warm clothing, and supplies to stay safe during cold weather.

Protect Pets
During extreme cold, bring pets indoors overnight. Never leave animals in vehicles during winter—cars can quickly become dangerously cold, acting like refrigerators.

Protect Plants
Cover plants with fabric on cold nights to help insulate them. Avoid plastic coverings, as they can trap moisture and cause more harm than good.

Protect Pipes
Insulate exposed pipes by wrapping them with newspaper, towels, or old clothing. When temperatures fall below freezing, let faucets drip slightly to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

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Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Extreme cold can lead to power outages. Generators can be helpful when the power goes out, but it’s important to know how to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

• Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
• Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors and windows.
• Install battery-operated or battery backup carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home.

For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning, visit ready.gov/power-outages#generator.

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