The Polar Vortex is upon us. Most of the U.S. will feel the effects of this extremely large cold mass of air as it descends across our country. It hit the Rockies and Great Plains yesterday, is anticipated to start crossing the Deep South and Great Lakes on Saturday night and then hit the eastern seaboard on Sunday. Temperatures could plunge 30-40 degrees in some places and many spots will see ice and snow.
Even South Louisiana will feel the effects of this Polar Vortex. Temperatures may drop into the low 20’s and we may see some ice and snow for the first time in many years. When we first moved to Louisiana, I was surprised to find the water pipes located in the unheated attic of most homes. Since you can’t have basements, houses are built on slabs of concrete and there are no crawl spaces. The most cost-effective method to run plumbing in a house like this is to run the water lines in the attic. This creates a problem, however, in extremely cold weather. Although freezing temperatures are uncommon, we get a day or two at least once a year, so steps must be taken to prevent the pipes in the attic from freezing. We wrap any outdoor exposed pipes, but wrapping pipes in the attic or in the walls isn’t practical, so we drip our water lines during freezing temperatures. Flowing water will not freeze, so we keep at least one faucet dripping with a small steady stream in order to protect the pipes. Thankfully, freezing temperatures usually only last a day or two, but with this Polar Vortex, it could last up to a week.
That’s how we prepare in the Deep South, but how does a person with Myasthenia Gravis or other chronic condition prepare for such temperatures? It starts by making sure you have an adequate supply of your medications on hand. This Polar Vortex could last for up to a week in some areas, so you don’t want to run out of important medications. You’ll also want to assure you have plenty of water on hand. Staying hydrated is extremely important as dehydration can worsen symptoms of MG. Warm beverages, like herbal tea, can help maintain hydration while also providing warmth.
You’ll want to keep your cell phone and other communication devices fully charged. Storms and severe cold can lead to power outages, so you’ll want to make sure you have the ability to call for help, if needed. If you should lose power, make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and blankets ready to help you through. Keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand. You’ll also want to have some non-perishable food items on hand that don’t require cooking.
Don’t try to be a hero and go outside to shovel snow. Weakness can set in very quickly when you’re working hard or overdoing it. You don’t want to collapse in this cold and be unable to make it back inside your house. If you have to go outside, make sure you wear proper clothing and warm, slip-resistant shoes or boots. Ice can form and make walkways extremely slick. Carry your phone with you when you go outside just in case you need to call for help.
Speaking of calling for help, weather events like this are no times to be a hero. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends if you need them. Sometimes we’re just not able to handle everything ourselves and it doesn’t make us weak or less of a person if we need to ask for help. With that said, remember that family and friends are also struggling through this weather. They may not have power or roads could be impassable, so don’t expect them to run right over. Let them know you could use their help if they can make it, but respect their ability or inability to provide it.
This too shall pass. We’ll get through this. Just take the necessary precautions and thank God that he has given you the provisions you will need to survive.
Just be thankful you’re not a walrus!