Lone Star College offers expert tips to stay warm this winter

HOUSTON, TX -- T­he National Weather Service reports an Arctic front will enter the Houston area this weekend, dropping temperatures below freezing early next week. The Lone Star College Fire Science Technology Department offers crucial tips to keep people safe and warm in the coming days.

“Emergency services are very busy during extreme weather conditions, so we advise everyone to stay safe at home, if possible,” said David Teverbaugh, LSC-Kingwood fire science technology program director. “Additionally, it is a good idea to have a plan for handling inclement weather.”

The LSC Fire Science Technology Department recommends the following advice to keep everyone warm and reduce potential health and safety risks.

Do:

• Stay aware of weather conditions. Monitor local media through T.V., radio, web, etc.
• Make sure to have blankets and warm clothes. Wear a hat and gloves to prevent loss of body heat.
• Have plenty of water, nonperishable food, flashlights and batteries in case of power outages.
• Check your chimney before use. No flammable items should be near it. Keep the screens closed.
• Close off unneeded rooms and open cabinet doors underneath sinks.

Don’t:

• Use a gas stove, oven or barbecue pits to heat your home.
• Bring generators inside the house during power outages.
• Drive in icy conditions. Icy conditions are dangerous. Bridges ice over before surface streets.
• Pour water on windshields to remove ice and avoid walking on ice.

“Additionally, we recommend keeping electric space heaters at least 3 feet from combustible materials like furniture, bedding and curtains,” said Eric Zapata, LSC-CyFair fire science professor. “Never use propane space heaters indoors.”

The LSC Fire Science Technology program is available at LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood and LSC-Montgomery. Students learn basic and advanced skills, including operating fire streams, performing various rescues and using firefighting equipment. Graduates enter the fire service field as qualified firefighters and emergency personnel.

The LSC Department of Emergency Preparedness offers additional weather emergency guidelines to keep you, your family and your property safe during next week’s freezing temperatures and beyond. View more tips at LoneStar.edu/Severe-Weather-Tips.