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Forecast Is Cold Comfort

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By GEOFF FOX The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 18, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - If the forecasts were right, getting your newspaper off the driveway this morning was no walk on the beach.

Temperatures in Pasco County were expected to drop to about 40 degrees near the coast and into the mid-30s inland, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service did not issue a freeze warning for Pasco, but with near-freezing cold expected overnight, the Pasco Office of Emergency Management asked the Holy Ground homeless shelter in Hudson to be on alert.

Emergency managers offer the following tips for staying safe when the weather turns cold:

•When temperatures drop below 36 degrees, seek shelter immediately. Stay away from open, windy areas, and wear dry clothing.

•Cover your head with a hat, knit cap, scarf or blanket. The body loses 25 percent of its heat through the head. Wear several layers of clothing before going to sleep or outdoors. Extra layers of clothing help the body retain heat.

•Do not drink coffee, tea, or beverages with caffeine. Drink warm broth or water or hot sweetened drinks, such as cocoa.

For people using space heaters:

•Check the heaters to be sure they are clean and dust-free. Check heater cords, and replace them if they are frayed, cracked or feel hot during use.

•Avoid using extension cords. If you must use one, be sure it is a heavy-gauge wire and as short as possible.

•Keep at least 3 feet of empty space between the heater and everything else.

•Adequately ventilate your home when using fuel-burning heaters.

•Do not leave children or pets alone near heaters.

•Turn off heaters before leaving the house or going to bed.

•If you use a fuel-burning heater, refuel it outdoors.

•Turn the heater off, and let it cool before you try to refuel it to prevent burns and fires.

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 948-4217 or gfox@tampatrib.com.

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