The National Weather Service is warning everyone in Guilford County and central North Carolina to remain very aware of how cold it will be this week – and, combined with the wind, wind chills as low as 1 degree Fahrenheit can be expected in parts of central North Carolina.

The cold weather advisory will be in effect until at least Wednesday, Jan. 22, with those who spend too much time outdoors without enough protection in danger of frostbite and hypothermia.

At noon on Tuesday, Jan. 21, it was 19 degrees at the Bryan Park weather station, which, combined with the wind, made it feel like 13 degrees.

The advice from the Weather Service is exactly what you might expect:

  • Use caution when traveling outside.
  • Wear appropriate clothing including a hat and gloves.
  • Make frequent checks on older family, friends and neighbors.
  • Don’t use portable generators indoors and make sure that space heaters are being used correctly so you don’t set your house on fire.

In addition to the advice from the Weather Service, Duke Energy also offered some tips for faring well during this bitter cold spell being caused by a polar vortex.

The polar vortex is a band of strong winds that gain strength high up in the stratosphere above the North Pole every winter and can, in some cases, like now, greatly affect the weather in areas much further south.

On top of the bitter cold temperatures, some parts of the state are expecting snow and ice.  The coastal area around Beaufort, North Carolina, for instance, is predicted to experience a rare snowfall this week.  Forecasts for Beaufort and the surrounding coastal areas are calling for up to 8 inches of snow and wind gusts of up to 35 miles an hour.

Duke Energy officials suggest you make plans ahead of time for the elderly and those with special medical needs in case of power outages during this streak of bitterly cold weather.

The company also notes, “Energy bills tend to be higher this time of year because we use more energy to keep our homes comfortable as temperatures fall.”

Duke Energy offers some ways to reduce the damage to your bank account:

  • Turn down your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting when you’re home and bump it down a degree or two when leaving.

“Even a few degrees can make it easier on your heating systems and your wallet,” the statement notes.

  • Leave drapes or blinds open during sunny days to allow the sun’s rays to warm your home. Be sure to close the blinds at night to help insulate your home.
  • Change air filters regularly and do it now if you haven’t: A dirty filter makes a heating system work harder and use more energy.

The power company is also alerting customers that it has ways to allow customers to better predict how much they’ll spend on electricity every month. Customers who’ve enrolled in an energy tracking program will get a midcycle alert reflecting their electricity cost halfway through the billing cycle.  That allows them the second half of the cycle to adjust their energy use – offering them an opportunity to save.

The statement from Duke Energy notes, “Lowering energy consumption when temperatures plummet not only helps lessen the impacts to your bill, but also prevents excess strain on your heating system. Heat pumps, in particular, work extra hard when the outside air is well below the freezing mark. By lowering the thermostat a few degrees, you can help prevent your unit(s) from running continuously.”

And last, but certainly not least, keep your focus on your pets and the other animals in your neighborhood.

Guilford County Animal Services is reminding pet owners to take extra measures to protect their dogs and cats.

“If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets,” department officials stated while offering the following advice for keeping pets safe this week. The tips are from the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and they pertain to pet care any time the weather turns very cold:

  • Keep your pets inside with you. If dogs are outside much of the day, they have to be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that’s large enough to allow them to move comfortably, but small enough to hold body heat. The floor of the shelter should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings. Don’t use blankets or towels since they hold moisture. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Similar housing should be provided to outdoor cats.
  • Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather need more food because keeping warm depletes their energy.
  • Use plastic food and water bowls. Your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal. Check your pet’s water bowl throughout the day to ensure the water isn’t frozen.
  • Put a water-resistant coat on your dog when it’s outside or a sweater when going for walks. This is particularly important for pets with thin coats such as chihuahuas and pit bulls.
  • Rock salt and other chemicals, used to melt snow and ice, can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates its mouth. Dogs are also at risk of salt poisoning. Never let your pet ingest rock salt.
  • Cars are a hazard to pets and wildlife. Animals can be drawn into the engine area to seek comfort when it’s warm. Before starting your car, bang on the hood to scare any animals out.
  • Antifreeze is deadly to animals. Its sweet taste attracts animals including wildlife. Wipe up any spills immediately and keep containers away from animals.

Guilford County Animal Services offers the following instructions if you see a pet that’s been left out in the cold.  First, politely tell the owner you’re concerned: Some people don’t realize their pet isn’t able to handle extremely cold weather.

 If the owner doesn’t take the necessary steps to protect that pet, call Guilford County Animal Control at 336-641-5990. An officer will be sent out to check on that pet’s welfare.

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