BATON ROUGE — Louisiana is among several states experiencing colder-than-normal temperatures this week due to a polar vortex. While it may not reach the severity of the Winter Storm of 2021, winter weather conditions still pose safety concerns in a region unaccustomed to such extremes.
With lows flirting at or below freezing and highs in the 40s for the rest of the week, how can you prepare and stay safe? Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and others during this cold snap.
Power & utility concerns
Local utility providers are urging residents to prepare for potential extended outages. While winter precipitation is unlikely in the Capital Region, freezing temperatures could still lead to ice-related issues.
“Just a quarter inch of ice can add hundreds of pounds to power lines, causing them to sag or break. Ice-covered branches become 30 times heavier than normal, increasing their chance of falling onto power lines. Freezing conditions can also impact transformers, substations, and other critical equipment,” said Anne Hawes, DEMCO Member and Public Relations Manager.
If you lose power or encounter downed lines or poles, DEMCO advises the following:
- Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines.
- Observe barricades and avoid areas with visible damage.
- Keep children and pets indoors, as tree limbs and standing water may conceal energized downed lines.
- Never touch or approach a downed line; always assume it is live.
To help with grid stability and the increased energy demand in cold weather, residents are asked to help conserve energy whenever possible. Unplug appliances and items not being used to stop phantom power from pulling and set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower, DEMCO advised.
Taking care of your pipes
Preventing frozen pipes is crucial, as the cost to repair burst pipes can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
“My biggest tip is drip your water because the water bill will always be cheaper than the plumbing bill,” says Jude Barker, a licensed plumber and owner of Barker Brothers Plumbing Works.
Here are tips to protect your pipes during extreme cold:
- Insulate and wrap exposed pipes: Use pipe insulation sleeves or foam wrap to protect any piping running through unheated areas like attics, crawl spaces or exterior walls.
- Open cabinet doors: Allow warm air to circulate around vulnerable pipes under sinks and inside of cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom, especially rooms with an exterior-facing wall.
- Let faucets drip water: Run a slow trickle of hot water, less than the size of a pencil to prevent your pipes from freezing. It takes cold water to heat water, which allows the entire system to run. Choose a faucet furthest away from the water heater so it runs the entire loop of your system.
- Run your dishwasher: Stay up as late as you can during a freeze and run your dishwasher. A typical dishwasher cycle is about two hours and will keep the water moving before you go to sleep.
- Seal air leaks around windows and doors: Drafts can send chills to your pipes, so weatherstrip and caulk areas where cold air can seep in.
- Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses: Disconnect and drain hoses from spigots to prevent ice buildup from cracking the faucet.
- Know your main water shutoff valve: Locate it and ensure it is easily accessible in case you need to shut off the water quickly.
- Heat up crawl spaces and attics: Use space heaters or heat lamps, but keep them far from combustible materials.
- Keep interior doors open: Allow warm air to circulate throughout the house to reach vulnerable areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms, especially those without vents.
If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, licensed plumbers recommend the following:
- Shut off the water supply at the main valve immediately.
- Apply heat to the frozen section: Use a hair dryer, heat gun, warm towels, or hot water bottles. Never use any heating device with open flames!
- Once thawed, turn the water back on slowly and monitor for leaks.
For those leaving home during a freeze, Barker advises shutting off the main water supply and draining all faucets to prevent freezing inside pipes.
What do you do if your pipes burst?
How do you clean up after your pipes freeze or burst in your house or business? Depending on how extensive the damage is, you might need to call other professionals for help.
“A restoration company can help you assess the damage and clean up the water, dry out your walls and ensure there is no mold growing,” according to Lori Garlington with Klean King Air Duct and Restoration based in Monroe.
“A lot of people who have vinyl plank floors will need a dehumidifier to remove excess water from under the floors and dry out sheetrock,” said Garlington. “That’s where a specialist comes into play to test your walls and take readings to see how wet they are.”
Home restoration companies can help with water damage to flooring, carpets, mold removal and mold remediation.
How to help the homeless stay somewhere warm
Local nonprofit Heaven’s Care, based in Ascension Parish, is one of several nonprofits that assists homeless individuals and families by providing temporary shelter during extreme weather. Director Danyell Henriques said her organization helps people in Ascension and Walker primarily due to the lack of shelters, but occasionally helps those in the Baton Rouge area.
As part of their mission, Heaven’s Care helps with temporary shelters for individuals and families in need for two to three days when the weather is bad.
With the cold overnight temperatures, those who are homeless are at risk for hypothermia and other winter illnesses. One client has bronchitis right now and is visiting the hospital before going to stay at an area hotel.
Supporters of Heaven’s Care can provide hotel rooms for individuals and families who need a place to stay out of the cold. Henriques said multiple hotel rooms have already been purchased by locals wanting to help their neighbors.
Right now, the cheapest hotel rooms are around $79/night in the areas in need, Henriques said.
“Even if it’s just one day, it’s better than them being in the elements,” she said.
Here are some ways to support Heaven’s Care’s mission and help get local homeless individuals off the streets this week. No donation is too small, she said:
- Make a donation to support emergency shelter, blankets, and supplies like tents, hot chocolate, etc.
- Donate an e-Gift card from Hotels.com to provide emergency shelter stay for an individual or family experiencing homelessness
- Contribute through monetary donations at one of the following: PayPal, Venmo @Heavens-Care, Cash App $HeavensCare
- Visit the organization’s website or Facebook for other ways to help
Even if you are unable to financially help or donate supplies, Henriques said sharing via social media or with others you know can really make a difference.
Homeless shelters are often in need of socks and warm weather items, including blankets. Contact your local shelter or church to find out how to assist during cold weather.
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