The Maine Emergency Management Agency is warning Mainers to bundle up next week, as a serious cold snap is on its way.
The National Weather Service has reported a potential minor snowstorm will hit the state Sunday night into Monday morning, followed by frigid air.
Temperatures are expected to drop to nighttime lows Monday and Tuesday night of 5 to 15 degrees below zero.
On those same nights, the service predicts the mercury will plummet as far as 30 below zero in areas such as the north woods and western mountains.
“We have yet to experience true Arctic air this entire season,” said Sarah Jamison, senior service hydrologist at the National Weather Service in Gray. “This will be a dramatic shift from our mild winter so far, and frozen pipes could be an issue.”
Temperatures will likely moderate by the end of next week. In the meantime, MEMA offered several tips to Mainers to help make it through the cold days ahead.
To guard against water pipes freezing, MEMA advised residents keep warm air circulating around pipes by opening cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms, and to keep garage doors closed if water lines are there.
MEMA also advised keeping thermostats turned up, even at night, and for residents who plan on being away, make sure the temperature throughout the house is set no lower than 55 degrees.
If pipes do freeze, MEMA advised turning on the faucets and to heat the pipes. MEMA cautioned, however, that residents should not use devices with open flames such as a blowtorch, charcoal stove or kerosene or propane heaters.
Instead, heat pipes with an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, or an electric hair dryer. A portable space heater will work too, but MEMA advised to keep the heater away from flammable materials.
MEMA also offered other tips:
Guard against frostbite by wearing layered clothing.
Don’t stay outside for too long. Don’t leave pets outside for long, either. Livestock should also have shelter and water that isn’t frozen.
Keep an emergency kit in the car, including “blankets, a first aid kit, food and water, a cellphone charge, and a flashlight with extra batteries.”
Be ready for power outages, and be sure to operate a portable generator outdoors and away from open windows. Those who use electronic medical equipment or similar devices should keep fresh batteries on hand.
Be sure to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Check on neighbors who are seniors or anyone who is sick.
Anyone needing a warming and charging center may visit MEMA’s website to find a center in their area. For those who can’t connect to the Internet, dial 211 for help.
