Boston: Mayor Wu Urges Caution For Bitterly Cold Weather Tonight

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According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the forecast for Boston includes wind chills that will reach zero or below Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with the lowest occurring between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.

"As the winter weather intensifies with dropping temperatures and strong wind gusts, I urge residents to take all necessary protections," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "We encourage everyone to take care of themselves and each other, especially for those at higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite."

The City of Boston issues a cold advisory when there is one day or more of 0°F or below observed wind chill. Due to the low temperatures and strong wind gusts, there is an increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite, especially for those experiencing homelessness, older adults, and young children. Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk individuals.

Mayor Wu is advising residents to take precautions, reminding them to check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If you see an individual experiencing homelessness and individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, they are encouraged to call 911 as well.

While the temperature forecast does not reach the threshold for declaring a cold emergency, Boston Centers for Youth & Families' (BCYF) community centers will be operating on their school vacation schedule, open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., with extended hours at certain locations. The Boston Public Library will be open during normal operating hours and will be available for people in need of a place to warm up.

The Boston Public Health Commission's Southampton Street Shelter and Woods Mullen Shelter will remain open 24/7 for those experiencing homelessness. Amnesty is in effect and anyone with a non-violent restriction may come in. Other overnight shelters and day spaces can be found online at this link or by calling 311.

The Boston Police Department (BPD) will make announcements on every shift for officers and all personnel to be on the lookout for people on the streets. BPD will conduct wellness checks or assist with transportation to available shelters and coordinate with emergency medical personnel for unsheltered homeless persons in distress. The BPD Street Outreach Unit will be available as a resource to assist the districts, outreach providers, and 911 dispatch as needed.

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Cold weather safety tips:

Dress for the weather:
  • Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
  • Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.
  • Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well.
  • Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.  
  • Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.
  • Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watch for signs of frostbite:
  • Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Watch for signs of hypothermia:
  • These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:
  • Following the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
  • In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber, and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately.
  • If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, call 311 to file a complaint.

Heating safety:
  • Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, a kitchen stove, or any other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can quickly cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
  • Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.
  • Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, but it is poisonous and can be deadly.
  • Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including people.
  • Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room, or go to bed.
  • Make sure exhaust vents for home heating systems, clothes dryers, and stoves are clear of snow or other blockages to prevent buildup of dangerous carbon monoxide in the home.  Make sure that vehicle tailpipes are clear of snow and never 'warm up' a car in a closed garage.
  • Carbon monoxide causes symptoms including drowsiness, dizziness, confusion/disorientation, nausea, shortness of breath, and blurred vision and can ultimately lead to unconsciousness and death.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, go outside to fresh air and call 911 immediately.

Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:
  • The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate their home's main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.
  • Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing.
  • Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air around pipes. A trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold can also help prevent them from freezing up.
  • Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight.
  • If pipes freeze, thaw them slowly with a hair dryer, if possible. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call the BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.

Emergency home repair resources:
  • Income-eligible homeowners and Boston residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces, and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).  
  • In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income-eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand-new heating system, even before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.  

For alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. More information can be found on boston.gov/cold.

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