Escambia County: Prepare For Freezing Temps

December 9, 2016

As the first widespread freeze of the season approaches tonight, Escambia County urges residents to remember the five P’s of cold weather safety:

  • Protect People: Remember to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. It is important to try to stay out of the wind and to stay dry. Also, remember to check on young children and the elderly family and neighbors who are the most sensitive to cold weather. If the temperature cannot be maintained at a home, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere, including with friends and family.
  • Protect Pets: If cold weather is in the forecast, be sure to bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter to stay in.
  • Protect Plants: Cover cold sensitive plants to protect them from the dangerous temperatures.
  • Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent from freezing and breaking.
  • Practice Fire Safety: Use safe heating sources indoors. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, which is a deadly, invisible and odorless gas. Also, make sure to use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames. In the event of long-term power outages, be extremely careful when using generators, lanterns, gas powered appliances or when cooking on charcoal grills or gas grills. These appliances produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which can cause poisoning in only a matter of minutes. Equipment or appliances that produce carbon monoxide should never be used indoors. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not stop carbon monoxide buildup.

For tonight’s forecast, click here.

Comments

2 Responses to “Escambia County: Prepare For Freezing Temps”

  1. Anmllovr on December 9th, 2016 10:44 pm

    Please take care of outside pets! If tied up and can’t take cover for themselves somewhere, at least throw down some straw in a box or old ice chest!

  2. 429SCJ on December 9th, 2016 10:42 am

    Deep hay or bedding straw in a sheltered area, makes for a great pet bed.

    Inexpen$ive, warm and durable.