Winter weather advisories, a tale as old as time.
Here in Ohio, winter is no stranger. From bitter wind chills to inches of snow, you need to protect yourself during and after. Let this serve as your reminder to be prepared and know what to look out for.
Heat your Home Safely: If you plan to use a fireplace, space heater, or wood stove, be extremely cautious. Turning on a kitchen stove for heat is not safe.
- Have extra blankets and warm winter clothes to layer in case the power goes out.
- Have your fireplace checked and cleaned yearly to ensure it is venting properly.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable materials such as bedding or drapes and never place one on top of furniture or near water
Know the Signs of Carbon Monoxide: Exposures and poisonings occur more often during the winter when people are more likely to use furnaces and heaters.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) has no smell, taste, or color. Common symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mild confusion, and shortness of breath.
- Install CO detectors on each level of your home. Inspect/replace batteries each time you change your clocks in the spring and fall to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Chimneys can be blocked by debris, which can cause CO to build up inside your home.
Avoid Overexerting Yourself: Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart and shoveling snow can increase the risk of cardiac events.
- Shovel snow while it is fresh; this is when it is the lightest.
- Stretch your arms, shoulders, back, and legs before shoveling snow.
- Keep your phone close by in case of injury or emergency.
Don’t Forget Your Layers: Winter weather conditions can put you at risk for frostbite or hypothermia.
- Do not expose yourself to cold temperatures for a long time. If you must go outside, dress properly by wearing a hat, scarf or mask that covers your face and mouth, gloves, water-resistant coat and boots, and several layers of loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid getting wet.
Plan, Delay, Cancel: if you have to travel, plan your route and an alternate route. It is always best to delay or cancel your travel.
- Before travelling, check your tires, fill your windshield wiper fluid, and fill up your gas tank.
- Pack an emergency supply kit: first aid supplies, chargers, blanket and warm clothes, non-perishable food and water, extra cash, personal medications and hygiene items.
- If stranded, run your motor for about 10 minutes per hour. Make sure snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe and crack your window to let air in.
Stay up to date on winter weather alerts and have a plan of action to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home.
Medina County residents can sign up to be notified of emergency situations through our mass notification system, WENS (Wireless Emergency Notification System).
