With thousands still without power, many are wondering how they can safely stay warm during the winter weather.
Nueces County ESD #2 Chief Dale Scott said residents without power should pick a single room to stay in and wear several layers of clothes on and use several blankets.
"Once they find a central room to stay in, whether that's a bedroom or living room, (they) should find a space with an available restroom facility," Scott said.
Scott said people should use beach or bath towels to put at the bottom cracks of doors to keep the heat in the room they are staying in.
"Try to keep the centralized heat — the body heat and movement — in that one single room," he said. "Residents should also close blinds and curtains to windows because the same way we radiate heat is the same way we keep the cold air out."
Corpus Christi Fire Marshal Chief Randy Paige said the department has received at least one call for a residential fire during the severe winter weather this week. He said a family was using a gas stove to stay warm when an object caught fire.
"We strongly recommend the community does not use appliances to heat their homes because of the possibility of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning," Paige said.
Paige said all residents, especially those who use fireplaces or gas appliances, should have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.
The fire marshal said carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless and combustible. It can cause shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion and even death.
This week, emergency officials in Harris County reported “several carbon monoxide deaths” in or around Houston as families try to stay warm during the winter cold snap, The Associated Press reported.
"Residents should not operate cars or use outdoor devices like gas grills and barbecue pits to warm their house," Paige said. "These devices can put off carbon monoxide and can lead to medical issues."
Scott said residents who choose to use fireplaces to heat their homes must continue to keep their fires lit in order to keep the heat in.
"What happens a lot of times is people use their fireplaces and when the fire goes out, they don't close their flues (a duct, pipe or an opening to a chimney), which lets all the cold air inside," Scott said.
If someone is without power, Scott said residents should turn everything off due to big electrical surges once the power returns.
"If people do have power, they should minimize their usage," Scott said. "They should focus their activity to a specific room and keep the thermostat at 68 degrees so there is not a huge draw on the electrical system."
Tips on how to stay warm without power:
- Stay in one central room (with a bathroom).
- Close blinds or curtains to keep in the heat. Stay away from windows.
- Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing.
- Eat and drink. Food provides energy to warm the body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
Post time: Feb-22-2021