Cold Weather Safety Encouraged

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2007

For more information, contact:
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569

Bloomington, IN -- The City of Bloomington, in collaboration with Bloomington Hospital, has put together several cold-weather tips for personal and home safety.

Safety Tips for the Home

With the cold temperatures, many households turn to supplemental heat sources, and primary heat sources tend to run longer with less down time. It is important to remember some of these tips:

• Keep at least three feet of clear space around furnaces, space heaters and wood stoves. This includes all combustible materials such as furniture, drapes and other furnishings that are often overlooked.
• If you run a space heater, it should never be unattended. Kerosene heaters are not safe for indoor heating.
• Be careful not to overload circuits. Electric heaters are becoming more popular, but be sure the circuit can handle the load. A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse may be an indication that the load is too great for that circuit. Do not ignore this warning.
• Wood fireplaces and stoves: Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the home.
• Frozen pipes? Never try to thaw them with a blow torch or other open flame. The pipe can conduct this heat into the wall and potentially start a fire out of sight. Open your cabinet doors to allow heat to go under the sink. Run a stream of water during extreme cold temperatures - from the faucet furthest away from where the water enters the house.
• Finally, check your smoke detector and make sure that if you have gas-fired furnaces or appliances, a carbon monoxide detector is present and functioning. These inexpensive devices, when placed and maintained properly, are your sensors for trouble and can alert you to action even when you can't see the problem.

If you have questions about winter fire safety feel free to contact the City of Bloomington Fire Department at 332-9763. If you have a fire emergency, call 911.

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Personal Safety Tips from Bloomington Hospital

• Protect yourself against hypothermia and frostbite, and recognize the symptoms of each.
  ~Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, dizziness and severe shivering.
  ~Symptoms of frostbite include gray, white or yellow skin discoloration; numbness; and waxy feeling skin.
• If you suspect that you or someone else has hypothermia or frostbite, follow the instructions below.
  ~Go to a hospital emergency room immediately. If feet are affected by frostbite, the individual should be carried.
  ~If you cannot get to a hospital right away or must wait for an ambulance, drink warm fluids and begin first-aid treatment:
  -Monitor the person's breathing. If breathing stops or seems dangerously slow or shallow, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
  -Immerse frozen areas in warm water (around 100 degrees Fahrenheit) or apply warm compresses for 30 minutes. If warm water is not available, wrap gently in warm blankets.
  -Do not use direct heat such as a fire or heating pad.
  -Do not thaw the area if it is at risk for refreezing, which may cause severe tissue damage.
  -Do not rub frostbitten skin or rub snow on it.
  -Apply sterile dressing to the area, placing it between fingers and toes if they are affected. Try not to disturb any blisters.
  -Wrap areas to prevent refreezing, and keep thawed areas as still as possible.

• Help stop the spread of germs by covering your mouth and nose with your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and warm water, washing for at least 20 seconds, to help protect yourself and others from viruses and bacteria.
• Watch your level of exertion. Because your body is already working to stay warm, adding further strain can potentially be dangerous. Be extra careful during activities like snow shoveling if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Dress warmly and work slowly.

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On the Road Safety

If motorists are in need of assistance, contact City of Bloomington Police Department at 339.4477. However, if motorists are involved in an accident, call 911.

The City of Bloomington Police Department encourages citizens to take more time driving in snowy and icy weather conditions. Motorists should extend the distances between vehicles by at least two seconds.

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Energy Tips for the Home

Here are some tips to help prevent energy loss or save energy during this cold season:

• Make sure the foundation vents are closed. Any holes in the foundation should be sealed to prevent air from going under the house.
• Ensure all duct work under the house is attached.
• Check that all windows are closed and locked.
• Insulate or place heat tape on water lines of concern under the house.

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Snow Removal Safety

With winter weather upon us, the City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department is reminding citizens to be good neighbors and responsible residents this season by removing snow from sidewalks.

Children and elderly adults are especially susceptible to accidents on icy and snowy sidewalks. The City asks that residents remain aware of these potential risks by keeping sidewalks salted and cleared.

Individuals who need help with snow removal should contact Vickie Provide in the HAND Department at 349-3420, and she can provide callers with information about their particular Neighborhood Association.

The City of Bloomington makes provisions for such removal by following Municipal Code, which requires that snow and ice be removed from sidewalks to allow safe and reasonable travel. According to the ordinance, snow and ice should be removed within 24 hours after the snow or ice has ceased to fall or accumulate.

For more information about snow removal, please contact Housing and Neighborhood Development at 349-3401 or visit [www.bloomington.in.gov|http://www.bloomington.in.gov].

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Local Agencies Can Help

Residents without a warm place to sleep or an adequate food supply are encouraged to contact one of the local shelters or kitchens:

Martha's House, 919 S. Rogers, 336-2597
Martha's House is an overnight homeless shelter that provides space for 28 individuals. The shelter is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 74 from Monroe, Owen and Lawrence counties, and people must have a referral from the City of Bloomington Police Department, 220 E Third, in order to receive services from the shelter. Individuals may stay at the shelter for three days at a time, for a maximum of 30 days per year. People from outside the three county area also may stay for three days.

Shalom Center, 110 S. Washington, 334-5728
Shalom provides a place for guests to come during the day, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., where they can have access to telephones, laundry facilities, personal care items, diapers, formula, and more.

Backstreet Mission, 215 Westplex Park, 333-1905
Backstreet Missions provides a short-term emergency shelter for the homeless and extended stays for those who participate in the Mission's programs. The Upper Room Men's Shelter and Backstreet Offices are located at 215 Westplex Dr. just north of 3rd St. and west of S. Patterson Dr. with easy access to Bloomington Transit. The typical stay is seven consecutive days every 30 days. The check-in time for the shelter begins at 5 p.m. and check-out time begins at 7:30 a.m.

Community Kitchen, 917 S Rogers Street, 332-0999
Hot, nutritious meals are served on site to anyone in need. There are no fees or eligibility requirements. Meals include a main entree (vegetarian option available), two side dishes, and a beverage. Breads, desserts, and other items are available as resources permit. Carryout meals are also available (limit two per person). Meals are served Monday - Saturday, from 4 - 6 p.m.

Community Kitchen Express Location, 1100 W 11th Street, 332-0999
Hot, nutritious meals are provided on a carryout basis only (limit two per person). There are no fees or eligibility requirements. Meals include a main entree (vegetarian option available), two side dishes and a beverage. Breads, desserts and other items available as resources permit. Meals are served Monday - Saturday, from 4 - 6 p.m.

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211 Human Services Connection

The new 2-1-1 service is a simple way to connect people with human services. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember three-digit dialing system (similar to 9-1-1 and 4-1-1) that provides access to local and state-wide health and human services information. 2-1-1 makes critical connections between individuals and families in need and community-based organizations and government agencies. Free and confidential help is available for many needs, including housing, employment, legal aid, counseling and more.

For more information about these services in Monroe County, call 876-3383.

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Safety For Your Pets

Following a few simple guidelines can help keep your pet safe, healthy and happy during the cold weather:

• Do not leave cats and dogs outside when the temperature drops. Short-haired, very young and very old animals are especially vulnerable in cold weather.
• Windchill can threaten a pet's life. If an animal must spend extended periods of time outside, it should be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough for the animal to move around but small enough to maintain body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings, straw or other bedding.
• Outdoor pets need more food, especially protein, in the winter because maintaining body heat depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal as your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
• Warm engines can attract cats and other small creatures. To avoid injuring an animal, bang on your car's hood before starting your engine.
• Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can be potentially dangerous if ingested and can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Antifreeze is a deadly poison but has a sweet taste so be sure to wipe up spills and store it out of reach. Also consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
• Avoid leaving your pet alone in a car during cold weather for extended periods of time. Vehicles can act as a refrigerator in the winter months.
• Do not let your dog off the leash on snow or ice because dogs can lose their scent and become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season, so make sure your pet is wearing identification tags at all times.