Take precautions during cold spell

Don’t use fuel-powered equipment inside for heat

The Gresham Outlook, Dec 4, 2009, Updated Dec 7, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

Tiffaney O'Dell / The Outlook

Drivers and pedestrians make their way north on 181st Avenue during the snowstorm in December 2008.

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With cold air expected to make the entire region shiver well into the week, local agencies are warning Portland-area residents to take precautions.

The National Weather Service is predicting a surge of arctic air from Canada that could push temperatures into the teens during the next few nights. Those cold temperatures also might not rise above freezing during daylight hours. Wind gusts of more than 30 to 40 mph will make the temperatures seem even colder for a few days because of the wind chill factor. Gusts are expected to be 50 to 60 mph in the Columbia River Gorge.

The Oregon Trail chapter of the American Red Cross plans on opening emergency warming centers around the region. To find out where and when the shelters will be opened, call the Red Cross info line, 503-528-5990. Also, information is on the region's 2-1-1 info line (503-222-5555). On the Web, the Red Cross is at www.oregonredcross.org .

Learn to deal with the cold winter weather and the many problems that come with it: frozen pipes and cold houses. Several state and local agencies are offering tips for people on how to be prepared for the cold weather. Some ideas are just common sense, while others are important reminders that can save people a lot of grief and frustration this weekend. Most importantly, some ideas might even save a life.

Winterize and prepare your pipes

Water expands when it freezes, so if the water in your home’s pipes freeze – and it will freeze in temperatures of 32 degrees or less – you could end up having your pipes break, causing a lot of damage. Be especially concerned about the pipes that run in unheated areas of your home, such as in basements, attics, garages and underneath kitchen sinks.

• Know where the primary shut-off valve for your plumbing is and how to turn it off. East County residents can call the city of Gresham at 503-618-2626 or the Rockwood People’s Utility District at 503-665-4179 for help on how to find the valve.

• When the temperature drops to 32 degrees or lower, let a thin stream of water drip from the faucets. Keep the room temperature at least 55 degrees, and open the kitchen doors under the sink to keep the pipes warm.

• Insulate the pipes and cover exterior faucets. Consider installing a pipe sleeve, heat tape, a heat cable or other insulation products.

• If you plan to leave home for an extended period, leave the heat on or drain your water system.

• If your pipes freeze or burst, shut off the water at the primary shut-off valve and call a plumber. Only call 9-1-1 if there’s a life-threatening emergency.

Heaters, carbon monoxide risk

Given the recent drop in the mercury and forecasts for chilly weather next week, Gresham Fire & Emergency Services Chief Scott Lewis encourages residents to be extra mindful of fire and carbon monoxide risks.

Aside from causing burns or sparking fires, fuel-burning appliances — including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, gas generators, fireplaces and wood stoves — also produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless poisonous gas that can be fatal.

Inhaling smoke from fires causes about half of all deaths from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. Other significant causes are vehicle exhaust and gas-fueled appliances, including generators. In Oregon, an average of one to two people die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in their homes.

Lewis offers the following safety precautions:

• Make sure heating vents are not blocked and rooms with heating appliances are properly ventilated.

• Fuel-powered equipment must be placed outdoors for adequate ventilation

• Allow plenty of space between portable heaters and items around them, such as walls, furniture and other combustibles.

• Keep an eye on children and pets near portable heaters to avoid burns or the heaters tipping over, although newer models automatically turn off when knocked over.

• Use appliances only for their designed purpose: For example do not use an oven or grill to heat a room.

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