An arctic blast is dropping temperatures in the U.S. to lows not seen in years.  According to the National Weather Service, 140 million people across the United States will shiver in temperatures of zero or lower. As temperatures continue to drop, and snow and ice threaten nearly half the nation, the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) recommends some last minute precautions that will help keep families safe and comfortable:

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Damage from frozen pipes is the second most common cause of insurance claims in America. The average homeowner will have to spend thousands to repair damage from a frozen, leaking pipes.

·         FOAM: Insulate pipes exposed to the elements or cold drafts. For as little as $1 per 6' of insulation, you can stop pipes from freezing and save energy. By keeping your water warmer, you reduce the amount of energy needed to heat water in the cold, winter months.

·         DOME: Place an insulating dome or other coverings on outdoor faucets and spigots also reduce the likelihood of the water in your homes pipes freezing, expanding and causing a costly leak. You can purchase one for under $2 from your local home improvement store.

·         DRIP: By allowing a slow drip from your faucets, you reduce the build-up of pressure in the pipes. Even if the pipes freeze, you have released the pressure from the water system reducing the likelihood of a rupture.

Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams are formed when air in the attic is warm enough to cause snow and ice on the roof to thaw and refreeze repeatedly. Pools of water then become trapped under layers of ice that seep under your roof covering (tiles or shingles) into the attic.

·         Seal all openings that would allow vapor to rise into the attic; this includes any holes created from installing light fixtures or ceiling fans.

·         Keep gutters and downspouts clear to allow melted snow and ice to flow away from your home.

·         Don't use salt or other minerals to melt the snow on your roof. These are very damaging to roof shingles and tiles not to mention gutters and downspouts.

Check Your Insulation

Doors and windows are just some of the places that you should ensure are well insulated before the temperatures start to drop.

·         Check for air leaks around windows and doors using a lit incense stick. If the smoke is sucked out of an opening, seal the leak with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping.

Winterize Outside Your Home

·         Lay down a layer of deicing sand/salt to minimize the buildup of ice during the storm.

·         If you have time, clean your gutters so water doesn't back up and freeze.

·         After blizzard conditions pass, lay down layers of deicing sand/salt to melt the snow and ice. Once it begins to melt you can chip away at the layers with a snow shovel to move it off of steps and walkways.

·         Turn off and drain all of your outdoor plumbing including hose connections, pool connections, sprinkler systems, etc. After you've turned off the water, leave faucets in the "on" position and remove any plastic components.

Have Emergency Kits in Your Home and Car

In case the power goes out, you should have flashlights, batteries, a three-day supply of food and water for everyone including pets, a battery-powered radio and a first-aid kit.  Make the same emergency kit for your car but add blankets and a distress flag.  Be sure to keep tow and tire chains in your trunk as well.  If you have time, consider buying a generator for your home, which will help keep your power, heat and security alarms running as well as help prevent frozen pipes.

For more information on weathering winter this season, visit www.greatwinterweatherparty.org or www.flash.org

Bald Eagle Days exhibit presented by Modern Woodmen of America

From nesting to an empty nest, Modern Woodmen's new Wings of Life exhibit is designed to delight and inform eagle lovers of all ages. As guests interact with the activities, they'll learn about eagle families and their similarities to human families.

The 1,400-square-foot exhibit provides family friendly, interactive activities. Modern Woodmen has sponsored Bald Eagle Days for more the 25 years.

Friday, Jan. 10, 2014

4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014

10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

QCCA Expo Center, 2621 - 4th Ave, Rock Island

Visual opportunities:

• Children participating in interactive activities while learning about the life stages of bald eagles.

• Volunteers assisting children at eagle-themed mini golf, coloring and glider stations.

• A portrait station where families can take their free "Wings of Life" portrait.

• Vibrant bald eagle photos and trivia signs

Reminds Residents to Stay Safe and to Check on Their Neighbors

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced measures that will continue to be taken by Illinois state agencies in response to the ongoing extreme winter weather affecting more than 90 percent of the state. He also urged residents to stay safe and warm and to check on their neighbors during the bitter cold and snowy weather.

"This winter storm will be one for the record books, and we want to make sure everyone stays safe and warm until it passes," Governor Quinn said. "State crews continue working around the clock to keep residents safe and to respond to any emergency situations that may occur. I urge everyone to keep close tabs on their neighbors and families, stay inside as much as possible, limit their exposure to the cold temperatures, dress in layers and keep pets indoors."

The National Weather Service forecasts historically cold temperatures throughout Illinois following the heavy snow that has blanketed much of the state. High winds will drive wind chills to 35 to 45 degrees below zero through Tuesday. Because of the record-setting cold, Governor Quinn urges residents to take advantage of the state's more than 100 warming centers, including Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offices throughout the state, which are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or the Illinois Tollway Oases, which are open 24 hours a day. To find a warming center near you, call the IDHS hotline at (800) 843-6154 or visit keepwarm.illinois.gov.

Heavy and drifting snow has made travel extremely hazardous throughout the state. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has nearly 3,700 employees and 1,755 trucks deployed statewide to address the winter weather on state routes, while the Illinois Tollway has 200 staff and 182 snow plows on duty in response to the weather. The Tollway has also doubled the number of Zero Weather Road Patrols it provides to assist customers stranded in their cars during the severe weather. The Zero Weather Road Patrols will continue into Wednesday, January 8, or until the temperature or wind chill rises above zero. Motorists are urged to only travel if absolutely necessary and to give road crews plenty of room, keep their gas tanks at least two-thirds full, and have a complete emergency kit in their vehicles. For roadside assistance anywhere in Illinois, call *999.

Road condition information is available by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368), Illinois Tollway information by calling 1-800-TOLL-FYI or online at www.gettingaroundillinois.com and click on the "winter road conditions" icon.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is in close contact with local emergency management agencies and prepared to provide assistance if needed. They advise residents to stay home and off the roads if at all possible due to the extremely dangerous cold and snowy conditions. IEMA also advises every household to have a disaster preparedness kit that will help residents stay safe for at least three days. The kits should include a battery-powered NOAA weather radio; a flashlight; extra batteries; non-perishable food; water; a first-aid kit; extra medications; and special items needed for babies, disabled or elderly family members and pets. If you must travel, a vehicle preparedness kit should include a cell phone and charger, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, snack foods and water, blankets, extra warm clothing, gloves and hats, sand or kitty litter, shovel, windshield scraper, booster cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, and a tool kit.

To reduce the chance of frostbite or hypothermia if you must venture outdoors, the Illinois Department of Public Health advises residents to stay dry and wear several layers of lightweight clothing; cover your head; wear mittens rather than fingered gloves; wear warm leg coverings and heavy socks or two pairs of lightweight socks; and cover your ears and lower face. Residents should seek immediate medical attention for any severe weather related health issues.

The Illinois Department on Aging encourages relatives and friends to make daily visits or calls to senior citizens living alone. Senior citizens should dress in layers, both indoors and outdoors, make sure they got plenty to eat and drink, have extra medications in the house and let someone else shovel the snow.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture advises residents to keep their pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen food and water. Check frequently on any animal that remains outside.

Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 DUE TO THE EXTREME TEMPS.