Tips for staying safe, warm as cold temperatures continue

January 6, 2025

Nyana Whitelaw,

JACKSON, Tenn. — With freezing temperatures this week, here are a few ways to keep yourself safe and avoid hazards that are common around this time of year.

Keeping warm as temperatures continue drop

Keeping warm is key to stay safe during winter weather, you can dress in layers, wear a hat, scarf, or knit mask and wear mittens. You should also wear a water-resistant coat and boots, and avoid traveling in low visibility conditions or on ice-covered roads.

If you have to go outside, make sure to limit your exposure time and cover any exposed skin. We spoke to Jackson’s Emergency Response Director Lynn Mooney on the dangers of hypothermia.

“Hypothermia can kill within 3 to 6 minutes depending on the exposure and how cold it is, and how much clothes you got on. It’s really important to check on neighbors, friends, making sure some elderly person hasn’t fallen outside. It can take a toll pretty fast,” said Mooney.

Protect your home from freezing temperatures

Lexington Utilities also has shared ways to protect your home from frozen pipes and other winter-related issues.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses – Leaving them attached can cause water to freeze and burst your pipes.
Cover outdoor water spouts – Use foam covers or other insulating materials to shield them from freezing temperatures.
Keep garage doors closed – This helps protect water supply lines located in the garage or along exterior walls.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors – Allow warm air to circulate around plumbing, especially if your sinks are on exterior walls.
Let faucets drip – Running a small trickle of water can prevent pipes from freezing.
Maintain consistent heat indoors – Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F, even if you’re away.

Lexington Utilities says these simple precautions can save you from costly repairs and water damage.

‘Winter-proof’ your car with these tips

Along with layering up, make sure that you are taking good care of your car this winter. The Jackson Police Department shares a few tricks to ‘winter-proof’ your car with items you have at home.

Shaving cream can be used to fog proof your windshield. A little vinegar on your windows can ice proof them and also cooking spray can prevent your car doors from freezing shut.

Avoid home heating hazards

According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, “Winter is Tennessee’s most dangerous season for residential structure fires. Fire departments report a 66% increase in home fire deaths during winter compared to other seasons.”

Here are some tips to prevent home heating hazards.

“Don’t use space heaters indoors, if you do use space heaters indoors make sure that your house is well ventilated. Don’t use any propane heaters unless it’s rated for indoor use; make sure you bundle up before you go outside,” said Mooney.

Warming stations available in the area

The fire department also partnered with First United Methodist Church to provide a warming station in downtown Jackson. The shelter will run from Monday through Wednesday. Cots, blankets and pillows will be provided.

Although the station will be closed during the day, citizens can have a warm place to lay their head.

“This is from 5 p.m. to morning time and then ARM will be open through the day and then RIFA is gonna provide breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said Jason Moore, Madison County emergency management agency director.

Safety tips from the Jackson Energy Authority

Tips to help you save energy

Since around half of your utility bill comes from heating your home, set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower and wear additional layers of clothing to keep warm.
Instead of filling the tub for a bath, take showers instead and reduce shower time as much as possible.
Unplug unused electronic devices and turn off any lights that are not in use.
Use task lighting instead of lighting a whole room and turn off any lights that are not in use.
Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use.
Keep garage doors closed if you have water supply lines in the garage.
If you have a pool, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water instead of using your pool heater to prevent freezing.

Tips to help you stay safe

In the event of damage to utility lines, do not go near downed lines. Do not try to remove limbs from lines or move downed lines out of the area. Stay away and call JEA to report.
If at any time you smell gas, leave the area immediately to move to a safe distance from the smell and call JEA and 911.
Keep your gas meter protected by carefully removing snow and ice with a broom or brush. Do not kick, hit, or chip ice away from the meter.
Make sure external vents for natural gas appliances are clear.
If you remove snow and ice from your roof, make sure it doesn’t land on, cover or bury any meters or vents.
Never use your oven or gas stovetop to heat your home.
Do not use charcoal grills inside to heat your home.
To help prevent frozen pipes, make sure any exposed water lines are wrapped, outside faucets are insulated, crawl space vents are closed, cabinets open where water lines have external wall exposure and faucets have a slow drip to keep water moving.
Don’t get out unless it’s absolutely necessary. Utilize JEA’s self-service virtual features to manage your JEA bill from home. Visit www.jaxenergy.com/payments to find the best method to fit your needs.