Selasa, 25 Januari 2011

Bitter cold temperatures prompt school closures in the Northeast

Bitter cold temperatures prompt school closures in the Northeast


Surviving the ColdPlay VideoABC News – Surviving the Cold
Amy Sherna AP – Amy Sherna is bundled against the cold wind and blowing snow as she walks home along The Boardwalk in …

The Starting Point is a snapshot of the news that occurred overnight and a preview of the stories we expect to cover today.

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There's cold and then there's bone-chilling, cover-everything, hide-inside cold.

Temperatures plummeted overnight throughout the Northeast, dropping as low as 36 degrees below zero in Saranac Lake, N.Y., The Associated Press reported. When factoring in wind chills, the air in some places actually felt as cold as 50 degrees below zero.

In contrast, it's currently 23 degrees in Anchorage, Alaska, and it "feels" like 23 degrees.

Such frigid temperatures can be extremely dangerous for those braving the elements. In response, schools in Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire have closed their doors or plan to delay openings to protect students. Homeless shelters in Boston filled to capacity, yet continued to take in patrons, who slept on mats and blankets.

Residents are urged to stay indoors and check on those who may need assistance, such as the elderly and disabled, The Boston Globe reported. Pet owners should take animals inside to keep them safe from the elements.

Other cold weather tips:

* Dress warmly by wearing layers and covering exposed skin
* If you must go outside, keep moving and avoid getting wet
* Drink warm, non-caffeinated fluids
* Never use your oven for heat
* Keep electric portable heaters away from combustible materials and turn them off when you go to sleep
* Avoid overloading electrical sockets
* Never leave candles unattended

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