MSB urges precaution, preparation during bitter cold snap

It’s not just cold outside, it is bitterly cold, with temperatures remaining firmly in the negative double digits going on for the past two weeks. With these extreme temperatures, extra precaution is needed for even routine tasks to become dangerous.

The extreme cold weather appears to be a contributing factor to the death of a man in Sutton after it appears that he initially escaped a house fire, and was later found deceased near the structure.

Several sewer systems in Wasilla have frozen, with Wasilla sewer crews responding to at least 20 incidents so far.

Residents are encouraged to continue to dress in layers and don hats and gloves, and keep their skin covered as frostbite can occur in 15 minutes or less at wind chill values of 18 below zero or lower. Fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose are the most vulnerable parts of the body to frostbite.

In addition to the bitterly cold conditions, the MSB is blanketed under heavy amounts of snow, with early forecasts of a chance of more snow on Sunday.

Nearly a year ago, part of the Palmer Library roof collapsed due in part to the weight of heavy snow-loads, and several buildings in Anchorage have suffered collapses and damage from this year’s record-breaking snowfall. Now the MSB is urging residents to check their own roofs to look for signs of stress, including sagging ceiling tiles or boards, popping, cracking, or creaking noises, and doors or windows that can no longer being opened or closed.

Removing snow from the roof will minimize to risk of subsequent accumulating snow from causing structural damage. However, complete snow removal from the roof can cause its own set of problems including leaks and serious damage to the roofing materials. It is recommended to leave a few inches of snow on the roof.

The Borough’s Department of Emergency Services also posted a reminder of the steps residents can take during this cold snap to reduce the risk of fire and Carbon Monoxide poisoning by ensuring owners have operational smoke alarms and CO2 monitors on each floor of their homes. If using a woodstove or fireplace to heat your home, remember to keep the chimneys clean and free of obstacles, and properly dispose of ashes by putting them in a fireproof container and keep away from the structure.

If using an auxiliary heaters, keep them clear of combustible materials, and don’t overload electrical outlets.

The most common source of CO2 poisoning is unvented space heaters in the home. An unvented space heater uses combustible fuel and indoor air for the heating process. It vents the gases it makes into the room, instead of outdoors. A space heater that is not installed right or not working properly can release carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes into the room and use up much of the oxygen in the room.

Most space heaters use kerosene or natural gas for fuel. Newer models have oxygen sensors that shut off the heater when the oxygen level in the room falls below a certain level, but older models do not have this safety feature.

In the meantime, the Borough will continue to enjoy the cold temperatures until the coming week, when the temperatures are forecasted to reach a balmy 25 degrees!

For more information about severe winter weather preparedness, please visit www.ready.matsugov.us