Emergency Management Director Morgan Warns of Black Ice
– Gives 5 P's of Cold Weather Safety
Columbia County Schools will be
closed Tuesday
Gateway College will be open
Tuesday
Posted January 6, 2014 12:03 pm | updated 04:28 pm
COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL –
Emergency Management Director Shayne Morgan is staying
in touch with the meteorologists at NOAA to keep county
workers and residents updated on the severe cold weather
situation as it develops. Director Morgan told the
Observer, "Anyone driving should be on the lookout for
black ice on the roads, either from today's rain or
frozen irrigations systems that have flooded the roads.
All drivers should exhibit extreme caution until the
thermometer rises again." Director Morgan also went over
the 5 P's of cold weather safety.
Protect People: Remember to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. Do your best to stay out of the wind and try to stay dry. Also, remember to check on young children and the elderly who are most sensitive to cold weather.
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 Pipes: Cover Pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent from freezing and breaking.
Protect Plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from the dangerous temperatures.
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 gas. Also, make sure to use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames. Also, if you have a generator and need to use it, DO NOT use it indoors. Please follow all instructions and use the generator safely.
