Cold Weather Guidelines From the Milford Board of Health

From the Milford Board of Health

Each year, sooner or later, the thermometer will drop into the low numbers. The Milford Board of Health encourage everyone to look out for one another when cold weather hits. If temperatures drop, check on your elderly neighbors. Shovel their walkways. We can all do little things to help each other out during the cold season.

The Milford Board of Health offer the following tips:

• Never use your oven as a heat source
• Do not use electric or space heaters while sleeping.
• Keep electric or space heaters at least three feet away from bedding or combustible materials.
• Keep stocks of batteries on hand for radios and flashlights in case of a power outage.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Beware of carbon monoxide and stay safe by: never warming up your car in the garage, servicing your heating system at least once per year, and making sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and change batteries twice per year. Make sure smoke detectors are working on every floor of your home.
• Call the Milford Fire Department if you need help with a detector or have a malfunctioning unit that you would like help with. 508-473-1215 is the business line.

During the coldest days, parents are reminded to dress students warmly, in layers, with hats on and exposed skin covered.

When the snow falls, you can help the Milford Fire Department by shoveling out your nearest fire hydrants. Also ensure that your home or business sidewalks are properly shoveled, and place salt or ice melt to prevent people from falling.

When shoveling snow, dress appropriately, with exposed skin covered, and wear a hat and gloves. Do not consume too much caffeine before or during shoveling. Avoid getting wet, and take frequent breaks.

ALWAYS clear the tailpipe of a vehicle that is buried in snow BEFORE you start or warm up the vehicle. Failure to do so is a frequent and tragic cause of death in the region.

Utilities

Electric
National Grid: 800-465-1212

Gas
National Grid: 800-233-5325

If you live in a rental unit, heat should be set at a minimum of 68 degrees during the day and 64 degrees overnight. Residents should attempt to resolve any heating problems with their landlords, but may call the Milford Board of Health at 508-634-2315 if there are unresolvable problems.

To avoid frozen pipes, allow warm water to drip overnight in faucets, ideally from a faucet that is on exterior wall. You may also want to leave cabinet doors open to allow heat to reach pipes that are not insulated.

If you fear that a neighbor or resident may be in danger, call the police department at 508-473-1113 or dial 911.