Preparedness and Awareness Urged Ahead of Extreme Cold Temperatures

State of Maine
Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management
Maine Emergency Management Agency

CONTACT: Vanessa Corson
CELL PHONE: (207) 592-6201
EMAIL: [email protected]

AUGUSTA, MAINE - The Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) urges folks to monitor the forecast, make plans, and take action in advance of extreme cold temperatures settling in. The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Gray and Caribou report an arctic front arrives Friday night, bringing a dramatic cooldown and much colder conditions for the weekend with highs near or below freezing and strong winds leading to significant wind chill. Saturday and Sunday will be bitterly cold, with temperatures well below normal and wind chills often near or below zero. NWS is monitoring a system that could bring cold and dry plowable snow to sections of the state late Sunday into Monday. Check your local forecast for Extreme Cold Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories.

"During this extreme cold snap, it's important for people to check on neighbors, especially older adults, those living alone, and anyone without reliable heat," said MEMA Director Pete Rogers. "Cold temperatures can quickly become dangerous, and a simple check-in can help prevent emergencies before they happen."

"We have yet to experience true Arctic air this season," said Sarah Jamison, Senior Service Hydrologist at NWS Gray. "This will be a dramatic shift from our mild winter so far, and frozen pipes could be an issue."

To prevent water pipes from freezing:

• If there are water supply lines in the garage, keep the garage doors closed.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sink is on an exterior wall.
• Leave your thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night - A cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
• If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home and set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

For long-term solutions, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures in those areas. To prevent drafts, be sure to seal cracks and openings around windows and doors.

If your pipes do freeze, you can safely thaw them by:

• Turning on the faucet because running water through the pipe, as cold as it is, will help melt any ice in the pipe.
• Applying heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater that's kept away from flammable materials. Do NOT use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame because high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.

Make sure to apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to see whether you have additional frozen pipes because if one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too. If you are unable to locate the frozen area or if you cannot thaw the pipe yourself, call a licensed plumber.

Additional tips to stay safe during extremely cold weather:

• Avoid prolonged outdoor activities and dress in layers. See more info below from the Maine CDC to avoid frostbite or hypothermia.
• Evaluate or pack your emergency car kit which should have blankets, a first aid kit, snacks and water, a cellphone charger, and a flashlight with new batteries.

• Do safety checks on elderly neighbors and those who are ill.
• Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time. Provide shelter for livestock and be sure their water supply is not frozen.

The Maine CDC offers these cold weather safety reminders and information:

To prevent hypothermia and frostbite dress in layers, cover skin, and limit time outside.

Signs of hypothermia: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, and slurred speech.

• Signs of hypothermia in babies: Red, cold skin and very low energy.
• If someone has signs of hypothermia, take their temperature and seek immediate medical care if their temperature is below 95° F.

Signs of frostbite: area of skin is red and painful, white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, waxy, or numb.

• Someone with frostbite symptoms should get to a warm shelter and seek medical attention if their situation does not improve. If you suspect someone is experiencing frostbite, warm the center of their body first by removing any wet clothing and wrapping them in blankets.

Food provides energy to warm the body. Drink warm beverages throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

As extreme cold sets in, prepare your home by closing blinds and curtains at night to retain heat, shutting off unused rooms to avoid wasting energy, and sealing drafts with towels or rags under doors. If you use alternate heat sources, such as wood stoves, kerosene or electric heaters, or generators, always follow manufacturer guidelines and make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Generators must be used outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors and windows, and never in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces like garages or basements.

The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER) also urges Mainers to check heating fuel levels, stock wood or pellets, keep heat pumps running even in extreme cold, and seal windows and doors. If you need help with heating programs and resources, dial 211 (or 866-811-5695) for information about local resources or call your local Community Action Agency. More tips are in DOER's Winter Heating Guide.

Warming centers operated by local municipalities and organizations could open in communities across Maine. Please visit MEMA's website to find a list of locations: https://www.maine.gov/mema/response-recovery/mass-care. You may also dial 211 (or 866-811-5695) or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of locations, or contact your town office, fire, or police department for local warming center information.

For other safety and preparedness information, visit MEMA's website or find us on Facebook, X, Bluesky, and Nextdoor.

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