Frigid temperatures are expected for the rest of this week, potentially lasting into this weekend. Daytime high temperatures will likely not rise above the teens through the weekend, and high temperatures in some interior locations are not expected to rise above the single digits. Overnight low temperatures will drop to between 0 and -10 degrees north of the Mass Pike and to the single digits over southeast Massachusetts. During this extremely cold temperature, space heaters MUST be used with caution. Be sure to check if they are indoor-rated on the packaging and manufacturer website, place them away from any hanging decorations or flammable materials and do not use them with an extension cord. Your space heater should be placed at least three feet away from any furniture or decorations. Never leave a space heater unattended when in use.
If you light a fire in your fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure to keep a screen in front of the fire and the door closed. Monitor the fire continuously throughout the day to keep the flames contained and in control, and put it out before leaving the house or going to sleep. While keeping your home warm for your return may seem appealing, leaving a fire unattended can lead to mishaps with dire consequences, from a room facing fire damage to your home being completely burned down. If you still have Christmas lights hanging on your tree or on the exterior of your home, unplug them at night and when you are not home.
If you are faced with a fire emergency, contact Boston Board Up Services after contacting the fire department. Our team will arrive with emergency services and a building inspector, and we will begin surveying the damage, shoring your walls and boarding up your windows as soon as the building is deemed safe to enter. Upon securing the structure, we will be able to provide quotes for eventual debris hauling, demolition, and reconstruction. Any initial measures taken by Boston Board Up Services are only temporary. Boston Board Up Services can be reached by calling (800) 949-9113 or by filling out our online contact form.