Winter weather causes concerns
Constant, bitter cold the last few days caused a variety of problems for area residents. From icy roads and walkways to frozen pipes and dead car batteries, local businesses and hospitals saw an increase in calls for winter weather-related problems.
Henry Klinar, general manager of McKean Heating and Plumbing, 468 W. Chestnut St., Washington, said “pipe-bursting calls” will come this weekend, after temperatures start to rise. Right now, the company is busy handling furnace issues and frozen pipes.
“It’s important to have your system routinely maintained by a professional,” Klinar said. “And keep space heaters on hand just in case.”
Washington and Greene counties were under a winter weather advisory for wind chill Thursday afternoon. Wind-chill temperatures were about minus 17 Thursday morning. By afternoon, the temperature jumped to 10 degrees. The temperature is forecasted to rise to 12 today, and steadily rise to 32 Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Dr. Tony Aprea, director of Washington Hospital’s emergency department, said the emergency room witnessed an increase in slip-and-fall accidents since Saturday.
“We started to see them after Saturday because it was so icy,” he said. “It’s important to wear shoes with good traction and to know the surfaces that you are walking on. Go slow and focus on what you are doing.”
Aprea said the hospital has yet to see a frostbite case, and encourages people to take proper precautions to prevent the injury. Frostbite occurs when skin and other tissues are exposed to extreme cold for a prolonged period of time.
“Make sure your clothing is dry and limit your exposure to the cold,” Aprea said. “If you go outside, stay active. It’s better if infants and the elderly avoid going out in this.”
Monongahela Valley Hospital has also had an increase in winter-related injuries.
“We have seen an increase in slips and falls. Some have required hospitalization and some have required surgeries because of the orthopedic injuries,” Mary Lou Murt, senior vice president of nursing, said in an email. “We have not seen any frostbite cases.”
Chelsea Pompeani, director of public affairs for AAA East Central, said AAA handled more than 2,300 calls in the Pittsburgh region Thursday. More than 900 of them were related to battery issues.
“A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather,” according to winter weather tips provided by the AAA.
For more winter weather driving and car care tips, visit http://exchange.aaa.com.