The arrival of a mass of polar air to Uruguay will cause a marked drop in temperature and thermal sensations that could be close to or even below 0 °C in various parts of the country during the next week.
Faced with this scenario, the National Emergency System (Sinae) disseminated a series of recommendations to heat homes safely, avoid poisoning and prevent fires. In addition, there are alternatives to reduce the impact of higher electricity consumption on the UTE bill.
How to use stoves safely
During extremely cold days, the use of heating systems increases, so authorities recommend extreme care.
Sinae advises connecting only one device per outlet and avoid the use of adapters or multiple extensions, popularly known as “slippers”.
It also recommends periodically checking the condition of the cables and avoiding them being bent or pressed by furniture.
Gas, wood or charcoal stoves
These systems should never be used in completely closed environments.
The authorities remember that the lack of ventilation can generate accumulation of carbon monoxidea highly toxic gas that can cause serious poisoning and even death.
Keep distance from flammable materials
All heating equipment should be located more than 1.5 meters of curtains, mattresses, bedding, papers or other combustible elements.
How to keep warm inside the house
In addition to heating correctly, there are simple measures that allow you to better maintain the interior temperature.
Among them, the Sinai recommends:
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Place weather stripping on doors and windows to prevent cold air leaks.
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Keep curtains and blinds open during sunny hours.
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Close doors, shutters and curtains at dusk to conserve the accumulated heat.
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Ventilate the rooms daily, but do so during the warmest times of the day and for short periods.
What to eat and how to dress during a cold snap
Low temperatures also require additional personal care.
Authorities recommend consuming hot foods such as stews, soups, tea or mate to help the body maintain its temperature.
Furthermore, remember that alcohol does not help fight the coldbut rather it promotes the loss of body heat and increases the risk of hypothermia.
If you go outside, it is advisable to wear several layers of clothing instead of a single thick garment, in addition to protecting your head and face and wearing waterproof footwear.
Groups that require more attention
Sinae requests special vigilance on:
Also remember that the Mides toll-free line is available to report homeless people exposed to low temperatures. 0800 8798.
How to save on your UTE bill during winter
Increased use of electric heaters and air conditioning often translates into higher bills during the cold months.
To mitigate this impact, UTE keeps in force the More Air Plan, an initiative that allows access to a promotional rate for the use of air conditioning during weekends and holidays.
The program will be available until December 31, 2026.
Who can access
To join the benefit it is necessary:
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Have contracted the Simple Residential Rate (TRS).
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Have a fixed Wi-Fi internet connection at home.
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Have an air conditioner of less than 18,000 BTUs.
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Have the equipment connected through a traditional plug and not directly to the electrical network.
How much does it cost and how does it work?
The system requires the purchase of a smart plug marketed by UTE.
Each device costs $1,200 VAT included and one must be purchased for each air conditioner that you want to incorporate into the plan.
The plug is installed between the equipment and the outlet, records electrical consumption and transmits the information via Wi-Fi to UTE so that the corresponding bonus is applied.
UTE warns that the device should be used exclusively with air conditioning. If it detects that it was connected to another appliance, the user is automatically excluded from the program.
How to join the More Air Plan
To access the benefit, users must:
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Verify on the invoice that they have a Simple Residential Rate.
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Buy the smart plug on the official UTE channels.
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Connect the device to the outlet and plug in the air conditioner there.
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Configure the Wi-Fi connection so that the system begins transmitting consumption data.
With temperatures promising to be among the lowest of the year so far, authorities recommend combining safe heating measures, home insulation and energy efficiency to Get through the cold wave with the least possible impact on your health and pocketbook.
