Cold Weather Advisory: How to respond to winter weather conditions Published Dec. 31, 2014 Dec. 31, 2014 -- Cold Weather Advisory The 5-day weather forecast for Kirtland AFB includes extended below-freezing temperatures with lows ranging between 14-20 degrees Fahrenheit through Jan. 4. It is important to take precautions to prevent burst pipes in your homes (on and off-base) as well as prepare your family in the case of cold weather emergency. Please take a moment to review the guidance below: All members of Team Kirtland, and especially members who reside in housing on base or who are responsible for base facilities, are advised to take precautionary measures against the freezing temperatures. These measures are designed to keep pipes from freezing and water from being interrupted. -Faucets should be opened to a trickle and allowed to run until the temperatures rise above freezing. -Turning up the heat in your home will also keep pipes (if) located in attics from freezing. Ensure the heat is set in the home to a temperature no lower than 55° F (especially at night when outside temperatures are lowest). -Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. -Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children. -Disconnect all gardening hoses and install covers on all outside faucets. -Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on your water heater. (Learning the location of these valves may come in handy during an emergency.) -Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently. -If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, shut off water supply valves to your washing machine. For more tips to prevent frozen pipes, click http://www.kirtland.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet_print.asp?fsID=17847&page=1here. Monitor freezing pipe conditions: -Allow a faucet to drip slightly (lukewarm water) in order to minimize freezing (particularly the faucets furthest from the main water valve). -The first sign of freezing is reduced water flow from a faucet. -Check your faucets for water flow and pressure before you go to sleep and again when you wake up. -Check pipes around your water meter, in unheated areas, near exterior walls and in crawl spaces. These tend to be especially vulnerable to freezing conditions. If a pipe freezes and: -You live on-base, please contact Kirtland Family Housing Customer Service. -Maintenance Line: (505) 266-0079 -After Hours: (844) 887-6838 -Office Hours: (505) 232-2049 -You work on Kirtland main base and have a building problem, please contact Kirtland Civil Engineering Customer Service at (505) 846-8222. -You live OFF-base and a faucet or pipe inside your house freezes -You can thaw it using a good hair dryer. (For safety purposes, avoid operating a hair dryer around standing water.) -Also, to thaw a frozen pipe, heat water on the stove, soak towels in the hot water and wrap them around cold sections of the pipes. -When thawing a pipe, start thawing it nearest to the faucet. Make sure the faucet is turned on so that melted water can drip out. If a pipe bursts: -Shut off water at the main valve. -If the break is in a hot water pipe, the valve on top of the water heater should be closed. -Technicians are responding to numerous incidences of cold-related maintenance issues. Residents with a call in to housing maintenance are advised to please be patient. -For duty facilities-related cold-weather issues, call CE Customer Service at 846-8222 To prepare your family in the case of cold weather emergency, the following tips are provided: -Help infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. -Dress warmly and in loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. -Stretch before shoveling snow or other physical activity. -Cover the mouth to protect the lungs. -Avoid overexertion. -Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. -Keep dry. -Stay indoors, if possible. -Bring pets/companion animals inside. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water. -Assemble a disaster kit. Recommended supplies to include in a cold-weather emergency kit: -Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. -Sand to improve traction. -Snow shovels and other snow-removal equipment. -Sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off, so consider a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove. -Adequate clothing and blankets. If your home loses heat for more than a few hours or you cannot stay warm in your home overnight: -Consider a designated public shelter if you can get there safely. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (e.g., SHELTER20472) -Bring any personal items needed to spend the night (such as toiletries, medicines). -Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens, and a hat.