Frigid Weather Arrives In RI: Tips To Stay Safe

RHODE ISLAND — The coldest weather so far this season comes this week, bringing single-digit temperatures and wind chills well below zero across the region.

Whether you're heating your home or getting ready to head outdoors, following these safety tips to avoid injury or fire in extreme cold.

The National Weather Service said it's better to dress in multiple layers than just one bulky layer. In the coldest temperatures, wear two to three layers underneath a warm coat, with at least two layers on the legs. Cover extremities with waterproof boots, gloves, a warm hat and a face mask.

This weekend's deadly fire in the Bronx underscored the need to take extra care when heating homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 48,500 home fires were caused by heating systems across the country from 2014 to 2018. Of these, the vast majority of property damage, deaths, injuries and fires were caused by fixed or portable space heaters, the organization reported.

Follow these tips from the NFPA to stay safe while heating your home in winter months:

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from any heat source, including wood stoves, fireplaces, radiators and space heaters.
• Install and frequently test carbon monoxide detectors.
• Always operate portable generators outside the home, away from windows and doors.
• Only plug in one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional once per year.
• Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container, kept at least 10 feet away from the home and any other buildings.