Stay Warm and Safe: Tips for Upcoming Frigid Temperatures and Significant Snowfall

At this time, the National Weather Service has issued a Cold Advisory for Friday night, January 23 overnight into Saturday morning, January 24. Bitterly cold temperatures with dangerous wind chills as low as -10 are possible. The expected weather conditions can cause cold-related illness such as frostbite and hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Significant snowfall is also expected in Somerville and the region on Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26.  

City staff are continuing to monitor the forecast and discuss preparations for the upcoming storm. To stay up to date on City operations, you can sign up for City Alerts at somervillema.gov/alerts and keep an eye on our social channels and somervillema.gov.    

Staying Warm in Somerville: 

• The Winter Overnight Warming Center will be open normal hours nightly (5 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.).
• Anyone is welcome to visit the Somerville Public Libraries during regular business hours, including weekends, throughout the winter season to seek relief from the cold, unless there is a snow closure. For locations and hours, visit somervillepubliclibrary.org.
• Seniors are welcome to visit the Council on Aging Center (167 Holland Street) during regular weekday hours throughout the winter, unless there is a snow closure. For locations, hours, and activity information, visit somervillema.gov/coa. 

Cold Safety Tips: 

• Dress in layers and cover as much exposed skin as possible when outdoors. Wear a hat, mittens, scarf, and boots.
• Stay dry and change out of wet clothing if you can. 
• Minimize time outside, including for pets. This is especially important with low wind chills.
• Check in on family & neighbors.
• Know the signs & symptoms of cold-related illnesses such as shivering, confusion, or slurred speech. See more at mass.gov/info-details/extreme-cold-safety-tips.
• If you see someone out in the cold who appears immobile or disoriented, call 911 so they can receive the necessary help.    

Visit somervillema.gov/coldweather for additional cold safety tips, which are also available in multiple languages. 

Before a Winter Storm:  

• Make sure your devices are fully charged so you can stay connected to weather or emergency information.
• Have a snow shovel and ice melt on hand to keep your walkways and steps safe.
• Gather groceries and necessary medication before snowfall begins so you do not have to travel during a winter storm.
• Please consider checking on seniors or others who may need additional assistance to ensure they are safe and have all the basic supplies, food/water, and medication they need prior to a snowstorm.
• If you’re leaving town this weekend, you can always move your vehicle in advance. 
• Traveling will be dangerous during the snowstorm, so please avoid traveling unless it is absolutely necessary. Staying off the roads also helps out our snow clearing crews by giving them time and space to safely do their work.   

For more tips to stay safe before, during, and after a winter storm, visit: mass.gov/info-details/winter-storm-safety-tips. 

Prevent Frozen Pipes: 

Low temperatures and gusty winds can cause one of winter’s worst woes: frozen pipes. However, there are some simple precautions property owners, tenants, and residents can take to help prevent frozen water pipes.  

• Check insulation around pipes.
• Wrap pipes and faucets in unheated areas (like crawl spaces and garages) with pipe-insulating materials.
• When temperatures drop, high wind blowing through a small opening can freeze a nearby pipe. Patch cracks and holes in doors, windows, and walls near pipes (but be careful not to block the air vents your furnace needs for proper operation).
• Look for and seal cold air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes.
• Never shut off your heat.
• Opening the faucet to run a small stream of water (think the width of a standard pencil) can help prevent pipes from freezing.  

Visit somervillema.gov/frozenpipes for more information and for recommendations to safely thaw frozen pipes. 

Home Heating Safety: 

According to the Commonwealth's Department of Fire Services, heating equipment is the second-leading cause of home fires in Massachusetts and the number one source of carbon monoxide (CO). 

• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are working and have fresh batteries.
• Keep anything that can burn 3 feet away from heating equipment.
• Place a space heater on a solid, flat surface. Turn off and unplug space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Plug a portable heater directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord.
• Never use a conventional stove or oven to heat your home.
• Fireplaces should have glass or a sturdy screen to stop embers or sparks from flying into the room. Dispose of ashes in a metal container, with a lid, away from the house, garage, and porch.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys professionally cleaned and checked every year.
• Malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances can also cause CO poisoning. CO is colorless and odorless, and breathing in high levels can be fatal. To protect yourself and loved ones: 
  • Keep appliance vents and exhaust pipes clear of snow. 
  • Don’t leave a vehicle running inside a garage, even if the door is open because fumes can build up quickly inside the home. Snow can also block vehicle tailpipes outdoors. 
• If you suspect CO exposure or your home’s CO alarms sound, get outside to fresh air immediately and call 911 from a cell phone or a neighbor’s house. If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headache, seek medical help. 

Visit ow.ly/6FEh50XWrFQ for more information about home heating safety. 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.  

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.