Winter Woes: Accompanying Negative Temps
The Chilling Reality of Winter Weather
We knew it was going to be bitter cold, but were you prepared to see the following numbers when you woke up Wednesday morning? -9 degrees in Albany, -17 degrees in North Creek, and -19 in North Adams! From the Berkshires to the North Country, to Albany, wherever you were, old man winter had a vengeance! While its novelty can be cool, such freezing weather can cause a lot of winter woes.
Winter’s Impact on Infrastructure and Daily Life
Take a Wednesday road closure on Albany’s Briar Avenue for example. It was caused by a water main break. Crews braved the bitter cold and pounded the pavement with their excavator to repair the break. According to the city of Albany, frost increases the soil pressure on the underground pipes which causes frequent winter water main breaks.
Emergency Situations and Humanitarian Aid
From cold to heat. That’s not steam, it’s smoke! A fire broke out at the Highland Club Apartments on Eastview Drive in Watervliet. Officials say the blaze began around 6 pm Tuesday night. The fire displaced about 20 people.
Extreme cold is a terrible time to be left out on the street. Following the fire, the Red Cross had to find shelter for displaced residents at a moment’s notice. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Watervliet stepped up to help.
“It takes a little bit of time,” said Joanne Schrader, a Red Cross Disaster Health Service Lead. “We do call all of the local cities and towns and we try to secure shelters in case of an emergency so we can call them. A lot of schools and a lot of churches are the places that we called first and foremost.” She added.
It’s often said to look for the helpers when bad things happen. Schrader, a retired nurse, says the Red Cross tries to do just that.
“We actually provided blankets and blankets and we gave out some comfort kits and the comfort kits are just some toiletries in case they forgot their toothbrush and toothpaste” Schrader added.
Ice Safety and Rescue Efforts
From fire back to ice. Pittsfield’s Deputy Fire Chief Dan Garner warns residents to exercise caution after conducting a rescue on Onota Lake on Tuesday.
“We’re like in the middle of a cold snap so you might get that false sense of security like okay it’s single digits out maybe the ice is probably fine now but it really does take some time” Garner added.
Deputy Chief Garner and other officials remind you to observe ice safety guidelines. Stay off water bodies when its ice is below 2 inches in thickness. 4 inches is safe enough for ice fishing, five inches for an ATV. Medium-sized trucks require a foot to fifteen inches of thickness for safety.
Conclusion
Winter weather can bring about a range of challenges, from infrastructure disruptions to humanitarian crises. As the temperatures drop, it’s essential to prioritize safety and preparedness. Whether it’s braving the cold to repair water main breaks or providing emergency aid to those in need, it’s clear that winter weather can have a significant impact on our daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
* How can I stay safe during extreme cold weather?
+ Dress warmly and stay indoors when possible.
+ Check on vulnerable neighbors and friends, especially the elderly and young children.
+ Follow local news and updates for any weather-related advisories or closures.
* What should I do if I experience a water main break?
+ Stay away from the affected area to avoid injury.
+ Report the incident to your local authorities or utility provider.
+ Follow any instructions from emergency responders or officials.
* How can I help those affected by winter weather disasters?
+ Volunteer with local organizations or charities that provide humanitarian aid.
+ Donate warm clothing, blankets, or other essential items.
+ Spread awareness about the importance of winter preparedness and safety.
