Vehicle batteries groaned and furnaces strained last week across South Washington County, as forecasts with an extreme cold warning Friday, followed up with cold weather warning Friday night into Saturday, with temperature predicted to reaches low as 25 to 35 below Sunday night into Monday.
Classes at South Washington County Schools were closed Friday, the hazardous weather outlook as reported by the National Weather Service Twin Cities office predicting “bitterly cold” windchills in Washington County and across the state.
The temperatures towards noon Friday was measured at 12 below zero Fahrenheit from the South St. Paul Municipal-Richard E. Flemi Airport, down to 28 below zero with windchill factored in. Windchill increases with wind speed, wind causing the actual temperature to drop in comparison to the thermometer temperature.
Speaking from WAG Earms Dog Park, Cottage Grove Communications Manager Phil Jents shared a weekly update from WAG Farms Dog Park with tips on staying warm in the extreme cold.
“It is super cold,” he said. “ I know you know that and I definitely feel it so we’ll make it quick. But nevertless happy to be down here for another weekly update. Of course it is very, very cold, again I know you know that but whatever your plans are today or this weekend obviously stay safe. Layer up if you’re heading outside, if you’ve got plans to be outdoors layer up, dress warm, be safe, and then even if you’ve got plans to stay inside stay safe as well. So keep things like space heaters at least three feet away from other things that can be combustible. Plug those space heaters directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip, and then things like keeping your plumbing safe. A lot of people already know the tips and tricks like keeping your faucet dripping overnight or if you’re leaving the house for the weekend. Open up the cabinets underneath your sink to let the HVAC heat in and around those pipes and keep them warm and safe. Whatever you’re doing outside or inside be safe, bundle up, and stay warm. You may have also seen that the warming houses around town are temporarily closed due to the weather. Keep an eye on our Parks and Recreation Facebook page or call 458-6060 for updates on those. And beyond that you might hear my vehicle running in the background. I have the heat running. I’m going to get back inside because it is really, really, cold, and windy, down here at WAG Farms Dog Park for the weekly update.”
Across South Washington County Jents tips were echoed, with St. Paul Park sharing that the warming house at the ice rink was closed until Saturday, Jan. 24, following a cold weather policy to close when it was deemed “in the best interest and safety of the community, including when air temperatures were 10 below or colder and windchill was 20 below.
The City of Newport meanwhile shared tips with residents on how to prevent home pipes from freezing::
Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Keep the Heat On: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature , even when you are away. 65 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended, including the basement.
Insulate exposed pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape to protect pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Seal air leaks: Close off any gaps around windows, doors, and vents to prevent cold air from entering your home.
Let faucets drip: During very cold weather, allow s trickle of water to flow from faucets served by exposed pipes.
Open cabinet doors: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
If a pipe does freeze, be aware that it may leak as soon as it is thawed so be prepared to shut off the water near the water meter to prevent flooding issues.
Call Public Works at 651-459-2475 with any questions or issues.

For those still choosing to go out and about in cold weather, the National Weather Service offers the following tips and item checklist to better prepare:

The way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia is to plan for extreme cold before it arrives. Don’t get caught unprepared.
• Check the Forecast at weather.gov or your favorite weather app, station, etc.: Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you’ll know when to expect cold weather.
• Adjust Your Schedule: If possible, avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning. Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting for the school bus outside.
• Protect Your Pets, Livestock and other Property: If you have pets or farm animals, make sure they are not overly exposed to extreme cold and have plenty of food and water that has not frozen.Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze. Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.
• Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.
• Dress for the outdoors even if you don’t think you’ll be out much.
• Update Your Winter Car Survival Kit: Make sure your car survival kit has the following:
• Jumper cables: flares or reflective triangle are great extras
• Flashlights: Replace the batteries before the winter season starts and pack extras
• First Aid Kit: Carry essential medications with you in a purse or bag
• Baby gear: Diapers and any special formula or food
• Medical supplies: Materials for any special medical needs.
• Food: Non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, dry cereal and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars
• Water: At least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days
• Basic toolkit: Pliers, wrench, screwdriver
• Pet supplies: Food and water
• Radio: Battery or hand cranked
• Cat litter or sand: For better tire traction
• Shovel: To dig out snow
• Ice scraper: Have one in the car even if you usually park in a garage
•Clothes: Dress for the weather in warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change cold weather of clothes
• Warmers: For body, hands and feet
• Blankets or sleeping bags: If you get stranded you’ll be glad to have it.
• Charged Cell Phone: And keep a spare charger in your car