When temperatures drop, understanding what constitutes “too low” is important for safety and well-being. This threshold varies significantly depending on what is being affected, from human health to home integrity or the survival of living organisms.
When Cold Becomes Dangerous for Humans
A dangerously low body temperature, known as hypothermia, occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. This condition is defined by a core body temperature falling below 95°F (35°C). Untreated, it can become life-threatening.
Hypothermia progresses through stages, each with distinct symptoms. Mild hypothermia (95°F to 89.6°F or 35°C to 32°C) typically presents with shivering, mental confusion, and slurred speech. As body temperature decreases, moderate hypothermia (89.6°F to 82.4°F or 32°C to 28°C) can lead to increased confusion, reduced shivering, and a slowed heart rate.
Severe hypothermia, occurring below 82.4°F (28°C), is marked by a significant decline in mental function, muscle stiffness, and potential unconsciousness. Shivering may cease entirely, and there is a heightened risk of cardiac arrest. Frostbite, another cold-related injury, involves the freezing of body tissues, primarily affecting extremities like fingers and toes.
Immediate first aid for hypothermia involves moving the individual to a warm, dry location and gently removing any wet clothing. Warm the core of the body (neck, chest, groin) using blankets or warm compresses. If the person is conscious, offering warm, non-alcoholic beverages can also help.
Protecting Your Home from Freezing Temperatures
Freezing temperatures pose a substantial risk to homes, particularly water pipes. When water freezes, it expands, creating immense pressure within pipes that can lead to ruptures and costly damage. This phenomenon is why pipes burst, not necessarily due to the ice itself, but the expansion it causes.
Pipes are most vulnerable to freezing when outdoor temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C), although freezing can occur even at 32°F (0°C) if pipes are uninsulated or exposed to cold drafts. Pipes located in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces, or exterior walls are particularly susceptible.
Steps can help prevent pipes from freezing. Insulating pipes in unheated spaces with foam sleeves or heat tape provides a protective barrier. Allowing a small trickle of cold water to drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes can prevent water from stagnating and freezing.
Other preventative measures include disconnecting and draining outdoor hoses before winter and closing indoor valves that supply outside spigots. Keeping cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls allows warmer indoor air to circulate around plumbing. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, even when away from home, helps ensure pipes remain above freezing.
Safeguarding Pets and Plants from the Cold
Pets are susceptible to the dangers of low temperatures, with their tolerance varying by breed, size, and coat type. Small, short-haired, or very young and old pets are particularly vulnerable. When temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), it is generally advisable to bring pets indoors or provide them with adequate, insulated shelter.
Signs that a pet is experiencing cold stress include shivering, curling up tightly, or tucking paws to conserve body heat. They may also exhibit lethargy, seek warm places, or vocalize their discomfort through whining. Cold ears and paws can indicate a drop in their body temperature.
Protecting plants from cold weather is important, especially for sensitive species. Frost damage occurs when water within plant cells freezes and expands, rupturing cell walls. This can happen when temperatures drop to 32°F (0°C), though some plants can tolerate a light frost down to 28°F (-2°C).
For sensitive plants, bringing potted plants indoors is an effective strategy. For outdoor plants, covering them with blankets, burlap, or specialized frost cloths before nightfall helps trap residual ground heat. Watering plants before a freeze can also be beneficial, as moist soil retains heat better than dry soil.