Rochester, N.Y. – The cold weather heading our way can cause problems not only for those working out side but for your home and car.
The cold weather comes just as people head back to work and students head back to school
Health officials tell parents to bundle up their kids - especially if they're walking.
“Some of the things are common sense sorts of things, staying indoors if you can, if you have to be outside to wear layers,” said Dr. Michael Kamali, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Strong Memorial Hospital.
Temperatures will drop into the single digits Tuesday creating dangerous conditions especially for those outside for any length of time.
“Take breaks if you're working outside,” said Dr. Kamali, “go inside and warm up, drink warm fluids, coffee, tea and those sorts of things to stay warm.”
Experts say if you feel cold use warm water to gradually warm up. To make sure you can use your water, insulate exposed pipes.
“If you know you have pipes in the walls that you can't access leave the faucet dripping or the water running slowly,” said Jerry McCullough, Vice President of Ryan Heating and Plumbing, “a lot of times that will help prevent freezing.”
Also make sure your furnace filter is clean, said McCullough.
Maintaining your car during the cold weather is also important.
“People have to be reminded to peal their wiper blades off their windshields before they turn them on,” said Paul Ferrel of Ferrel’s Garage in Rochester.
Leaving windshield wipers up - away from the windshield will prevent them from freezing, said Ferrel. Also, let your car warm up.
“You should let it run at least 5-10mins to let it warm it up and get the fluids moving around,” said Ferrel, “especially if it's an automatic transmission.”
Also, walk around your car in the morning as it warms up to check the tire pressure.
