Maine's Icy Grip: Staying Safe in the Deep Freeze

Maine is about to get a serious cold snap. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning. This alert covers central, western, and northern parts of the state. It starts Friday night and might last through Saturday night. Temperatures are going to drop fast. Around Portland, it will feel like 5 below zero. In western and central Maine, near places like Rangeley and Jackman, it will drop to minus 10 to minus 15. The coldest part of the weekend is still to come. Saturday might have sunshine, but it won’t feel warm. Temperatures will stay in the single digits. By night, it will drop to minus 10 to minus 20 in southern, western, and central Maine. Up north, wind chill will make it feel like minus 30 to minus 40. Brrr! Sunday might bring a little relief. Temperatures will rise slightly. But there’s a catch—snow is on the way. Southern Maine could get at least 6 inches. The snow might shift north, hitting central Maine instead.Cold weather can be dangerous. Maine’s Emergency Management Agency has tips to stay safe. First, protect your pipes. Keep cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate. If you have pipes in a garage, keep the door closed. Keep your thermostat at the same temperature all day and night. If you’re away, don’t let it drop below 55 degrees. At home, close blinds and curtains at night to keep heat in. Seal drafts with towels or rags under doors. If you use a wood stove or electric heater, follow the safety guidelines. Generators must be used outside, at least 20 feet from doors and windows. Staying warm is key. Avoid being outside for too long. Dress in layers and cover every part of your body. Pack an emergency car kit with a shovel, first aid items, blankets, and flashlights. Stay hydrated and have snacks. Food and warm drinks give your body energy to fight the cold. Keep pets inside where it’s warm. Extreme cold is no joke. Watch for signs of hypothermia, like exhaustion, shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. Frostbite can show up as red, painful skin, or white, grayish-yellow, or numb skin. If you see these signs, take action fast.