Sub-freezing temperatures are expected to continue though the week and into the weekend with more snow expected Thursday and Friday. Above, Shane Godwin shovels snow on the sidewalk in front of a store on North Main Street on Tuesday morning.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Mac Cordell)
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As the first true cold spell of the winter continues, local officials are offering advice on staying safe and warm.
Officials from the Ohio EMA stress that winter can “be a fun and exciting time of the year.”
The agency encourages resident to “enjoy the most wonderful time of the year, but also to be prepared for the harsher side of the season.”
Brad Gilbert, director of the Union County Emergency Management Agency said it is “important to remember to be prepared.”
Officials acknowledged that it can be difficult to anticipate exactly what the weather could bring, noting it could be snow, ice, blizzard conditions, high winds, freezing rain, flooding from heavy rain or snow melt even severe thunderstorms or tornadoes.
Knowing the potential impacts these hazards can produce will help you be better prepared for winter,” according to information from the Ohio EMA.
Officials say it is important to check the weather forecast before engaging in outdoor activities.
To reduce the risk of hypothermia and to stay comfortable, individuals going outside should dress in layers of light and warm clothing; keep their feet, hands and head well covered; avoid overexertion when engaging in outdoor tasks, such as shoveling snow and take breaks when they feel tired or strained.
Gilbert also has advice for pet owners.
“Bring pets indoors and out of the cold. Animals need protection from the winter weather,” he said.
Officials stressed that, “if you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to water.”
Gilbert said it is important to have an emergency plan, noting that it should include each member of the household and pets.
“For example, if you have a multi-generational home you may plan for the needs of babies, children and grandparents, keeping in mind the household members with different abilities that may require special assistance or use of medical or mobility equipment,” according to information from the Ohio EMA. “
Officials said the primary concerns during a winter storm include loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.
Gilbert said residents should have “an emergency kit for your home and car should you lose power during extreme cold temperatures.”
Residents should make sure their home has flashlights with extra batteries; a battery-powered weather radio and portable radio to receive emergency information; extra food and water such as dried fruit, nuts, granola bars and other food requiring no cooking or refrigeration; extra prescription medicine; baby items such as diapers and formula; first-aid supplies; heating fuel; an emergency heat source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire; a fire extinguisher and smoke alarm; extra pet food and warm shelter for pets.
Officials also encourage residents to “have an emergency preparedness ‘go-kit’ ready in case you need to leave the house quickly.”
“Using your plan as a guide, you can have the appropriate items ready to go at a moment’s notice,” according to the Ohio EMA. “Make a kit for each of your vehicles in the event you are stranded and need supplies to keep you safe until help arrives.
Vehicle kits should include a flashlight, extra hat and gloves, a snow shovel and brush, blankets, towels, kitty litter, water and snacks, a cell phone charger, a tow rope, flares, jumper cables and a first aid kit.
Once the plan and kits are prepared, it is important for households to practice the execution.
“Gather your household together so everyone understands the plan and their role in the process,” according to the Ohio EMA.
Gilbert said it is important to heat homes appropriately.
Prior to winter weather it is important to make certain gas and oil tanks are full and to have a qualified technician inspect furnaces and fireplaces.
“When using heat from a fire place, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate,” according to information from the Ohio EMA noting the importance of checking to make certain vents are not blocked by snow.
If the heat goes out, residents are told to close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors, close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat, eat and drink because food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat, wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing and remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
“Portable generators can be a great way to power your home during winter outages, but if used incorrectly, can pose serious risks,” Gilbert said. “Never us a generator indoors.”
Homeowners are reminded to make sure their carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that the outside vent is clear of leaves, debris and snow.
Officials said that what residents do after a storm can be as important s what they do during the storm.
“When the snow and ice melt, it’s tempting to relieve that cabin fever and hit the roads. But melting snow can cause floods, partially cleared roads may be icy or blocked, creeks and rivers often overflow from the rush of melting snow and ice,” according to information from the Ohio EMA. “Heavy snow may have knocked down power lines and caused gas leaks, both of which can be deadly, but are not obvious at first glance.”