US Freezing temperatures warning: Seven ways to prepare for winter 

Monica Garrett, a meteorologist with CNN, recently warned that over 70% of the United States population will face freezing temperatures next week as Arctic air sweeps across the country.

In a special report, she explained that this cold surge, which will dominate the eastern two-thirds of the nation, is set to bring the harshest temperatures of the winter so far. Conditions are expected to plummet to dangerously low levels in the coming days.

Garrett noted that the frigid air, arriving in multiple waves, will disrupt the recent mild spell and persist well into January, with temperatures forecasted to range between 5 and 30 degrees below normal.

To help you stay safe and prepared, Tribune Online outlines seven essential tips for coping with the impending freezing temperatures.

1. Winterise Your Home

Before the cold sets in, take steps to protect your home. Clean gutters, insulate water lines, and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These measures can help prevent damage and ensure safety during extreme weather.

2. Dress in Layers

When going outdoors, wear multiple layers of clothing to retain body heat and shield yourself from wind chill. Make sure all exposed skin is covered to prevent frostbite, particularly during extreme cold warnings.

3. Create a Cold Weather Survival Kit

Assemble a kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, blankets, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio. This can be crucial during power outages or if you become snowed in.

4. Adjust Your Schedule

Limit outdoor activities during the coldest times of the day, usually early mornings. For parents, ensure children have a warm place to wait for school buses to shield them from the biting cold.

Read Also: VIDEO: Personal bodyguard to Ghana President collapses in parliament

5. Prepare Your Vehicle

Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full to avoid being stranded in freezing conditions. This also ensures you have enough fuel to stay warm if delays or breakdowns occur.

6. Protect Your Pets and Livestock

Ensure pets and farm animals are sheltered from the cold and have access to unfrozen food and water. Additionally, take steps to prevent water pipes from freezing, as burst pipes can result in costly repairs.

7. Check the Weather Forecast Regularly

Stay informed by monitoring reliable sources like weather.gov or your preferred weather app. Keeping track of weather updates allows you to plan activities and maintain safety.