Schools
Q. Will schools close for cold weather?
A. It could happen. Omaha Public Schools officials will pay close attention to the forecast of sustained wind chills in deciding whether to cancel. OPS elementary schools have 2½ unused snow days left before the administration and school board would have to consider their options for making up days lost to weather. The district's high schools have five days left, and its middle schools have 10.
Pets
Q. Is it safe to leave my dog outside in this weather?
A. When the temperature is in the single digits or lower it's best to keep all dogs inside, except for 5 or 10 minutes of potty time. During normal winter temperatures in the 20s or 30s, dogs that are bred for the cold such as Huskies and St. Bernards can stay outside even overnight if they have an insulated dog house protected from the wind. Boxers and other short-haired dogs shouldn't be kept outside for long periods in the winter.
Q. Can dogs and cats get frostbite?
A. Definitely. Also, ice can build up between the pads on their feet, making them cold and sore.
Home
Q. I've heard of these dreaded ice dams. What are they, and how do I prevent them?
A. Homeowners dread them for a reason. They can lead to wall and ceiling damage that can be painful to your wallet. Warm air escapes into the attic and slowly melts snow on the roof. The water reaches the cold eaves and gutters where it forms ice dams. This trapped water then seeps under roof shingles and into ceilings and walls. Getting the snow off your roof will help. You can buy a special roof rake costing between $10 and $70, but getting the snow off is dangerous. Consider calling a roofing contractor or other professional.
Health
Q. I've shoveled for what seems like the hundredth time, and my fingertips are burning and numb. Could I have frostbite?
A. You might. Those are symptoms. Others include white or grayish-yellow spots on the skin and the skin feeling unusually firm. Go inside as soon as possible, and seek medical care. Until you can get help, soak the affected area in warm — not hot — water, or warm the area using body heat.
Q. What's this arctic blast going to do to my cold or other respiratory problem?
A. If your throat is raw from coughing, frigid weather can make it feel even worse. Wear a face mask or scarf over your mouth and nose to take away the sting. Wearing those also can prevent asthma attacks, which can be triggered by low temperatures.
Q. Will the number of flu cases jump because of this weather?
A. It could. Cold weather doesn't cause the flu, but it does keep people indoors where the flu virus spreads. Dry air that comes with the low temperatures can dry out your nose, making it easier for the virus to sneak inside your body.
Auto
Q. My car groans like an old man getting out of bed in the morning. Should I let it warm up before driving?
A. In normal winter weather you can usually just start your car and go. But when it's this cold — think single-digit highs — it's best to let it warm up for a few minutes. This lets the oil work its way through the engine. But don't leave your car running and unlocked, because thieves love to grab them.
Q. Should I douse my frozen car lock and door with warm water to open them?
A. No. That water will quickly freeze and make things worse. A spray bottle with windshield de-icer is the best bet for the lock or door. For the key, heating it with a lighter can work. Don't yank too hard on the outside door handle, or it can break.
Q. My dad always said to keep the gas tank full in winter. Was he right?
A. He nailed this one. Keep the tank at least half full to minimize condensation buildup that can cause the gas line to freeze. Plus, if you get stuck in the snow and have to call dad for a ride you'll have enough gas to run the engine and stay warm until he gets there.
Get me out of here
Q. I'm sick of this weather. What's a round-trip ticket from Omaha to St. Barts, that upscale Caribbean island?
A. You're looking at $1,600. But at least you can leave your snow shovel at home.
Sources: Boys Town Pediatrics; AAA; R&G Service Center; Nebraska Humane Society; Iowa Department of Public Health; University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Service
World-Herald staff writers Joe Dejka and Bob Glissmann contributed to this report.
Contact the writer: 444-1122, michael.oconnor@owh.com
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