The lowest of the sub-zero temperatures have arrived but we can start to look forward to better conditions Thursday with highs in the 20s and by the weekend, the low 30s.
Tips for dealing with extreme cold and snow
Pittsburgh woke up to a temperature at -7 degrees. That’s the first time in nearly a decade it’s been that cold.
The National Weather Service says with two-tenths of an inch of snow on Tuesday, we’ve seen 21 consecutive days with at least a trace of snow.
That streak is expected to end Wednesday.
Closures
In addition to over 300 schools adjusting schedules, several other businesses and services are closed. With temperatures below 10 degrees on Thursday morning, there is the possible for more delays/closures.
Other Wednesday closures:
Allegheny County offices will be partially closed so non-essential employees can work at home.
All divisions of the Court of Common Pleas, Magisterial District Courts and Pittsburgh Municipal Court are closed.
Arraignment Court will be open.
Essential services will be operational.
County Park facilities for skating and skiing are closed as well.
Staying Safe in Cold
The dangerous cold has caused pipes to burst, car batteries to die and medical officials are reporting cases of frostbite.
Chief medical officer at UPMC, Dr. Don Yealy tells Marty Griffin on KDKA Radio he treated a patient with a body temperature of only 80 degrees.
“Luckily someone saw them, called in and the local responders did an outstanding job,” said Yealy.
He says while frostbite is typically a treatable condition, for patients with severe cases, it may result in amputation.
“They lose digits or limbs or parts of their ears or nose,” added Yealy.
Being outdoors for even a few minutes without proper protection from the elements can put you at risk for developing frostbite.
Tips for Pets
Make sure you are keeping your pets indoors as much as possible.
Even with a coating of fur, dogs and cats are affected by the extreme cold.
Check your dog’s paws when they come inside. Cracked or bleeding paws are possible in the extreme cold and if your dog walks on snow melting products like rock salt, make sure you swipe down their paws. The products can be poisonous and can cause cracked paws.
You can also consider using a pet coat or booties on their paws to keep them better protected.
Keeping your home safe
With the threat of frozen pipes, open any cabinet that contain pipes to allow warm air to flow. Also, keep your faucet running at slightly more than a drip to prevent freezing.
If using a space heater, DO NOT plug into an extension cord. That can cause a fire.
Also, keep anything flammable away from the space heater and don't leave it unattended for a long period of time.
Snow Removal
When it's below 15 to 20 degrees, rock salt will NOT work.
Magnesium works to -10 and is safer for pets and plants.
Calcium works to -20 but is BRUTAL to pets and plants.