Tips for coping with extreme cold

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - These extremely cold temperatures can be more than annoying.

They can also pose some serious danger to small children and the elderly.

If you live in New England, the extreme cold is nothing new.  But being prepared for these temperatures can help you avoid problems that range from a minor inconvenience, to a life threatening situation.

When the temperatures drop into the single digits, often times, your car has trouble starting. The cold can drain your battery pretty quickly. It's a good idea to start it and let it warm up before you drive.

The temperatures can also wreak havoc on your plumbing. Water expands when it freezes, putting your pipes at risk.

In an effort to stay warm, people often break out space heaters. But make sure you keep them away from anything that could catch fire.

If you lose power in these temperatures, it's tempting to turn on a generator. But doing this inside your garage on another enclosed space creates carbon monoxide that can be deadly.

For some, this freezing cold is an excuse to go ice skating. At Nashawannuck Pond in Easthampton, it's not illegal to ice skate, but it's also not encouraged. A police dispatcher told 22News they don't tell people when it's safe and when it's not. Last winter, two boys fell through the ice. They both survived, but hypothermia can set in quick.

It's best to limit your outdoor activity. It's also a good idea to check on neighbors and relatives.

When there's a prolonged period of extreme cold, some communities will open up community warming shelters.

To find one you can always text the word "shelter" and then your zip code to 43362.

Coming up on 22News starting at 5:00PM Wednesday we'll have some tips on how to prepare your car and your home for these extreme temperatures.

Blog: Cold Weather Safety Tips