A 55-year-old man died Sunday at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital after going kayaking in extreme winter conditions. In the Bronx last week, a space heater was identified as the cause of a house fire that killed 17 people, including eight children.
Winter can often be the deadliest time of the year, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which showed that deaths during the heart of winter — December, January, and February — outnumber those during the months of June, July, and August.
Another cold snap is expected this weekend, says the National Weather Service, with temperatures tonight anticipated to fall to 14 degrees and possible snow arriving late tomorrow and into Saturday.
In order to help prevent any further cold-related fatalities or accidents, the East Hampton Town Police Department and the Firefighters Association of the State of New York have issued safety tips to help East End residents stay safe and warm.
According to the firefighters association, heating is one of the leading causes of fires in the United States, with half of all home-heating fires occurring in the three winter months. Right now, New York State is fifth in the nation in fire-related deaths for the year, with 105.
“Many people continue to work from home, leading to an increased use of heat appliances,” the association’s president, John P. Farrell, said in a release. “Fire departments throughout the state typically see an increase in the number of fires they respond to this time of year, with many caused by improperly operated or poorly maintained equipment.”
Space heaters and fireplaces, cautioned the association, can increase the risk of a home fire when used improperly. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to check that all their heating equipment is functioning properly. Carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors must be operational, tested at least once a month, and have fresh batteries.
“Make sure your space heaters are always turned off when you are not in the residence,” Bill Kelly, chief of the Riverhead Fire Department, wrote in an email to The Star. “It is also important to ensure that all flammable objects are kept away from your space heaters, including the electrical cord — make sure they are not trapped under any rugs or carpeting. If a fire is present in your house, it is imperative that you get out immediately and call your local fire department. Make sure to close any door or window that you exit out of behind you, as this contains the fire to the one room.”
East Hampton police have posted a link to cold-weather safety tips on their Facebook page. “Frigid temperatures create challenging conditions for people, pets, cars, and the plumbing and heating systems in our houses,” it says.
The safety tips range from clothing suggestions, such as wearing layers and choosing mittens over gloves, to instructions on how to keep your house safe if you’re planning to be away over the winter.
To prevent pipes from freezing, police recommend allowing hot and cold water faucets to drip at night and keeping cabinet doors open to allow more heat to get to uninsulated pipes, such as those under a sink or near an outer wall. They also advise to leave the heat on, set no lower than 55 degrees. And, when possible, to arrange for the house to be checked daily during a cold spell.
Springs School officials have advised parents to dress their children appropriately during extremely cold weather. Outdoor recess and mask breaks will take place only if temperatures are above 32 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no wind advisory, the school said.
Pet safety is another issue. Police have reminded pet owners not to leave animals outside for extended periods. Cars and other vehicles also need protection from freezing temperatures, so checking battery, tires, and such fluids as coolant, wiper fluid, and oil, is important. So is carrying jumper cables and a blanket in case of an emergency.
Finally, homelessness and extremely cold weather can often be a fatal mix. Maureen’s Haven, an East End outreach program, offers an emergency shelter that provides safe, temporary, overnight accommodation between November and April. Shelter sites are located in Southampton, Southold, Riverhead, and East Hampton. (Maureen’s Haven: 631-727-6831.)
In addition, the Suffolk County Department of Social Services Safe Beds Program is available to anyone in need of shelter. When winter weather temperature is at or below 32 degrees, including wind chill, the department will provide shelter to anyone who is homeless or in need of temporary assistance. (Safe Beds Program: 631-854-9100.)
