Published On: 01.02.15 | 

By: Keisa Sharpe

Energy-efficiency and safety tips available in new e-book from Alabama Power

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Arctic cold moved into Alabama on Wednesday night, and temperatures plummeted to near-record lows. The wind chill index made it feel closer to zero throughout some of the state. With the blast of frigid air comes the chance of more winter weather on Friday.

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Here are some tips on how you can stay warm while saving energy:

  • Use a small room fan or ceiling fan to circulate and distribute heated air. When reversed, ceiling fans can circulate hot air trapped near the ceiling.
  • If you use portable electric heaters, use them only in small areasBuy models that are thermostatically controlled. Place these in well-ventilated areas away from flammable objects.
  • Use an electric blanket at nightAn electric blanket is more economical than heating the entire house all night long.
  • Although a crackling fire in the fireplace can make a room appear to be more warm and cozy, fireplaces are often a deterrent to energy efficiency because a lot of the heated air escapes up the chimney. A fireplace designed for providing heat eliminates this problem through a draft which supplies the fire with outside air rather than air from the room.
  • Keep cold wind outside by closing garage doors. Close all louvers and vents in the attic or foundation walls during the winter – but be sure to open them when the weather turns warm.
  • Leave drapes open on sunny days so your house will absorb the sun’s heat. Close them on the shaded side of the house and at night.
  • Make sure heating outlets and return air registers are not blocked by furniture, draperies, doors or other obstacles.

Additional safety considerations

Be sure to check on elderly neighbors to ensure they have adequate heat. Bring all pets indoors until warmer temperatures return.

If you have to be outside during frigid temperatures, consider these important safety precautions:

  • Parts of the body especially vulnerable to the cold include fingers, legs, feet, toes, head, ears, face and nose. Keep them warm by wearing gloves, socks, hats, ear warmers, and waterproof gloves and boots.
  • Eat hot meals loaded with carbohydrates to provide fuel that produces heat for the body.
  • While working in the cold, stay physically active and take frequent breaks in a warm, dry place.

Hypothermia and frostbite are caused by overexposure to extremely cold temperatures. Both conditions require immediate medical attention.

Frostbite occurs when flesh freezes. The exposed flesh first appears reddish and then begins to turn grayish-white. Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature falls below normal. Symptoms of hypothermia include:

  • Shivering
  • Chattering teeth
  • Slurred speech
  • Lack of coordination.

If someone shows signs of hypothermia, move the person inside to a warmer temperature. Give him or her a warm drink if they are conscious and seek medical assistance immediately.

Ike Pigott, Alabama Power spokesman, has more safety tips:

For more energy-saving tips and to download the free e-book, please visit www.alabamapower.com.