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Bone cold

With lows near zero and daytime highs 10 to 20 degrees below normal, we’re shivering and making the best of it.

Published: January 22. 2008 4:00AM PST

Bitter cold brings big worries. Things to consider:

FROSTBITE

Dress warmly and cover any exposed skin. If exposed, find warmth and immerse frostbitten skin in warm water. Don’t walk on frostbitten feet; don’t rub skin; don’t use heating pads or lamps because they can cause burns.

CAR BATTERIES

Below 32 degrees, car batteries lose 35 percent of their power. Below zero, batteries lose about 60 percent. A car mechanic can test your battery to see if it has enough power to handle the cold.

PETS

Dogs and cats can get frostbite on their ears, nose and paws; de-icing chemicals can irritate their paws. If pets stay outside, keep water from freezing . Bring pets inside once the temperature or windchill drops below freezing.

PIPES

Keep house thermostats set to at least 55 degrees. Leave cupboard doors open to keep warm air around pipes. Let cold water drip from faucets connected to the outside. If pipes freeze, the best bet is to call a professional.

THE HOMELESS

With shelters full, some area churches opened their doors and provided hot meals. Paul Hamilton went to Nativity Lutheran Church Monday evening for dinner.

“This is the first hot meal I’ve had in a long time,” he said.

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