People around our area sometimes say that they want to see snow or wintry weather.

But they’ve gotten more than their share in recent days and are looking forward to warmer temperatures in the days and weeks ahead.

Even with the unusually cold temperatures here, we have to be thankful that our thermometers have remained well above the Arctic air that has plagues much of the nation.

The deadly cold snap was by Wednesday already responsible for at least 16 deaths across the U.S., and weather forecasts for the Northeast predicted that the snow and cold would continue to intensify as the week progresses.

Fortunately, we haven’t seen the extreme weather that has hit some places. But we’ve gotten a chilly shock for which many around here were unprepared.

Frozen pipers remain a local concern, as do the dangers of cold that can affect people and pets.

First and most importantly, make sure you protect yourself if you are going to be outside for an extended period of time. Dress in layers and make sure you protect your head, hands and feet.

Also, take time to check on friends, family members, loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying inside and are keeping their houses warm enough.

Protect your home.

Even earlier this week, plumbers were reporting large numbers of service calls necessitated by broken pipes – a problem that can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs.

Make sure your exposed pipes are wrapped with insulation and that

One of the largest threats we see whenever the temperatures dip below freezing are fires that can be caused by improperly using space heaters.

The cold is an incredible inconvenience and discomfort, but please make sure you and your family stay safe by using all heaters exactly as the instructions describe. Doing otherwise can create a deadly situation.

And make sure all your furry friends are inside and warm – even your pets that stay outside under normal conditions.

The intense cold is life-threatening for animals, which depend on their owners to protect them from the elements.

The wintry weather came on quickly and seems to be here for at least a while longer. Please keep yourself and your family and pets safe as we wait for warmer weather, which should be waiting around the corner.

 

Editorials represent the opinion of the newspaper, not of any individual.