HOLBROOK — Chief of Police and Emergency Management Director William Smith would like to share safety precautions with residents ahead of expected extreme cold weather.
High temperatures on Friday and Saturday are currently forecast to be between 15-20 degrees. Temperatures may fall below zero on Friday night with a forecasted low of -8, and a low of 12 degrees on Saturday night.
A Wind Chill Warning is currently in effect until 1 p.m. Saturday. Dangerously cold wind chills are possible — as low as 25-35 below zero. Wind chills that low could cause frostbite on exposed skin in a little as 10 minutes. Wind gusts between 35-50 mph are also possible.
The Holbrook Police Department’s training room, 300 South Franklin St., will be open as a warming center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday for community members in need of shelter.
The Holbrook Police Department also wishes to share the following tips to help keep residents safe in cold weather situations and conditions:
- Reduce outdoor activities for the whole family.
- Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pets.
- Don’t keep your pets outdoors for long periods of time during very cold weather. Look for signs that your pet’s feet are uncomfortably cold, which could include them frequently lifting up their paws, whining, or stopping.
- Never leave a pet locked inside a car during extremely cold weather.
- Minimize travel. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel. Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc. before leaving.
- Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your arms, legs, hands and feet. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
- Do not ignore shivering, as it’s an important first sign that your body is losing heat. Constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside.
- Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
- Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need extra help.
- Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace, or a woodstove to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
- Make sure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are well ventilated.
- Make sure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside each bedroom. Should alarms sound, immediately leave the house and call 911 from outside or from a neighbor’s house.
Additional safety tips can be found at mass.gov, cdc.gov, or nfpa.org.
