Informed. Prepared. Together
  • Koude - Vague de froid
    Cold weather
    Although infants, the chronically ill, elderly or disadvantaged people are most vulnerable to intense cold, no one is immune from the damage that the cold can cause: hypothermia, chilblains, deterioration of certain heart or respiratory diseases, increase in traffic accidents due to bad weather, risks associated with the malfunctioning of chimneys and heaters, ... Below are some tips that help you to get through a cold spell.

  • At home

    • If you want to light a fire in a fireplace, have your chimney swept at least annually.

     

    • Check before the start of the winter that your heaters are working.

     

    • Check the insulation of your pipes and water meter.

     

    • Protect your heating fuel lines: they may be affected by the cold and cause a breakdown of the heating.

     

    • Drain the water from the water pipes in the open air in order to prevent the water from freezing in the pipes.

     

    • Have your vehicle serviced before winter starts.

     

    • After the winter, check the radiator of your vehicle, the level of antifreeze, etc.

     

    • Carry a blanket, a scraper and a tool kit in your car.

     

  • At home

    • Set your thermostat to a minimum ambient temperature that is still pleasant (approx. 19°C.). Avoid excessively high temperatures.
       
    • Ventilate your home every day for at least 10 minutes.
       
    • Close rooms that you use rarely or not at all. Insulate windows and doors as well as possible.
       
    • The cold can cause power blackouts and failure of the water supply: provide sufficient bottled water and meals that can be eaten cold.
       
    • Bring your pets indoors. If you cannot bring them in, make sure they always have food and (unfrozen) drinking water.
       

    Heating

    • Make sure the air vents are not obstructed.
       
    • Do not over-fill a coal stove or other type of stove. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be fatal.
       

    Your health

    • Dress warmly and make sure your whole body is adequately clothed: going outside without covering your head can result in losing 30% of your body heat.
       
    • It is preferable to wear multiple layers of clothing. Wool, silk and polypropylene can retain body heat better than cotton.
       
    • Shivering means that the body is losing heat. Continuous shivering is a sign that you should get back in the warm.
       
    • If you observe an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate your house immediately.

     

  • At home

    • Be alert when the weather starts to thaw: frozen pipes can be damaged, resulting in leaks.

     

    Your health

    • If you do not feel well, do not hesitate to call your doctor.