When the mercury dips – and stays – below zero, concerns mount both for people braving the elements and for those hibernating at home. Caribou public safety officials recently emphasized some ways to stay safe during the extreme weather.
Slow down, just slow down,” cautioned Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan. “If you’re sliding through an intersection, you’re going too fast.”
One recent morning, Gahagan said, four traffic incidents were reported, all attributed to people going too fast for the road conditions. Because it’s so cold, he explained, the salt is not working optimally on roadways, so they are slippery and require caution.
He urged drivers to watch for pedestrians, who may be hidden by snowbanks or out in roadways in cases of snowy, icy sidewalks. “Be mindful,” he said. “For pedestrians, wear something bright so vehicles can see you, especially after dark.”
The police chief also warned drivers to keep all windows clear, and those who have trucks with cabs should be sure to clean the snow off so it doesn’t fly onto cars behind them.
For further safety, people should keep a survival pack in their automobiles with a blanket, shovel, kitty litter for traction, and a PowerBar or similar food. Those traveling should let someone know where they are going and what time they expect to arrive at their destination. Additionally, neighbors should notify the authorities if they see mail piling up at someone’s home or anything else amiss. “Call us. We’ll go check,” he said. “That’s what we do.”
“The main thing is to watch out for your neighbor,” Gahagan emphasized. “We’re all in this together, so let’s just keep each other safe.”
Caribou Fire and Ambulance Chief Scott Susi urged those going outside to dress in full protective winter clothing. “There is a danger of hypothermia, so keep everything covered,” he said. “It doesn’t take any time at all now to freeze extremities, ears, etc.”
He acknowledged the area has so far escaped the crippling electricity interruptions caused by extreme weather downstate. “We’re pretty fortunate right now; everyone’s got power,” he said. He reminded homeowners to make sure chimneys and flues are clean, and to exercise caution when leaving vehicles running.
“Open the door to your garage when you let your vehicle warm up, because carbon monoxide can build up,” he advised.
Four-legged family members also need protection. The Humane Society of the United States’ website offered several tips. First of all, keep pets indoors and warm, and don’t leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops. No matter the temperatures, wind chills can be life-threatening. Also, be aware that cats or small wild animals may crawl under a vehicle’s hood, seeking warmth from the engine – so bang on the hood to scare them way before starting the vehicle.
And, most importantly, society officials said, “The best way to keep your pets safe is to keep them with you.”
