Dover warming shelter open as cold weather continues

posted on: 12/28/2017; updated: 1/2/2018

As cold air and dangerous wind chills continue, the City of Dover's warming site is available during regular operating hours at the McConnell Center. The warming site, located in the cafeteria at the McConnell Center, is open each weekday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for Dover which remains in effect. The cold wind chills can cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin. Wind chills will range from 10 below zero to 25 below zero during this time.

Dover Fire Chief Eric Hagman urges residents to take precautions to stay safe as the cold weather continues.

“When temperatures get this cold, it can be dangerous without proper safety precautions,” Hagman said. “Dress appropriately if outside and ensure you have sufficient heating fuel and properly functioning appliances to help avoid frozen pipes or carbon monoxide leaks.”

Warming center open as cold weather continues

posted on: 12/28/2017; updated: 1/2/2018

As cold air and dangerous wind chills continue, the City of Dover's warming site is available during regular operating hours at the McConnell Center. The warming site, located in the cafeteria at the McConnell Center, is open each weekday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for Dover which remains in effect. The cold wind chills can cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin. Wind chills will range from 10 below zero to 25 below zero during this time.

Dover Fire Chief Eric Hagman urges residents to take precautions to stay safe as the cold weather continues.

“When temperatures get this cold, it can be dangerous without proper safety precautions,” Hagman said. “Dress appropriately if outside and ensure you have sufficient heating fuel and properly functioning appliances to help avoid frozen pipes or carbon monoxide leaks.”

Other safety advice from Dover Fire and Rescue includes:

  • When outdoors, wear warm clothing, such as hats, gloves and jackets. Avoid staying outside unprotected for long periods. At the first signs of skin redness or pain, get out of the cold and protect any exposed skin. Watch for skin that has turned white or grayish, and feels firm, waxy or numb. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms.
  • Limit your time outdoors, including with pets. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite among elderly adults, babies, and others at risk. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect someone has hypothermia or frostbite. 
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
  • If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
  • Always use generators outside, away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use generators inside buildings or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees.
  • Clear furnace and exhaust vents of snow that may have accumulated from drifting and blowing.
  • When using alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, a fireplace, wood stove or space heater, make sure they are properly ventilated. Always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper use of heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home.
  • Be sure to use a carbon monoxide detector when heating your home, including from sources such as pellet stoves, gas stoves, gas fireplaces, and oil or gas heating systems.
  • Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Carry a winter emergency car kit including blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight with spare batteries, non-perishable foods, windshield scraper, shovel, sand, tow rope and jumper cables in the trunk.

Dover Fire and Rescue also reminds everyone to take a little extra time to look out for the safety of neighbors, the elderly and disabled.

For more information, call 516-6148.