NEWS RELEASE - November 5, 2007

HURON COUNTY WINTER SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK

NOVEMBER 11 TO 17, 2007

The Huron County Emergency Management Agency would like to remind all citizens to take the time to be prepared and protected in the event of severe winter weather. Be prepared. No matter the incident, have enough food, water and supplies to sustain every member of the household for 72 hours. Store the kit in an easy to carry container such as a backpack or duffle bag. Be sure to include:

· Bottled Water (at least one gallon per day per person)
· Non perishable packaged or canned food and non electric can opener
· Battery powered radio and extra batteries
· Flashlight and small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
· Candles and matches
· First Aid kit and prescription medicines (drugstore may be inaccessible or closed during a storm)
· Change of clothing and hygiene items
· Pre-Moistened Towelettes, Napkins, Paper Towels
· Sleeping Bags, Blankets, Pillows
· Special items for infant, elderly or disabled
· Disposable Eating Utensils (paper plates, plastic cutlery)

HOME PROTECTION TIPS: Remove dead tree branches. Ice and snow, combined with winter winds, can cause limbs to snap, creating a hazard to homes, cars, and passersby. Clean gutters. Snow and ice can build up quickly, especially if your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris. When thawing begins, the water has nowhere to drain and can back up under your roof and eaves, causing wall and ceiling damage. Consider buying screens to keep your gutters debris-free.

Check your homeowner's insurance policy to make sure coverage is adequate. During extreme cold weather, power outages, or blizzards, wrap water pipes with newspapers or blankets; each provides additional insulation and can help prevent the pipes from bursting. If you have water pipes on the outside of your residence, surround the pipes with bales of hay so that the outside pipes do not freeze. Never set the thermostat below 55 degrees when your home is unoccupied.

During winter, drain pipes if your power goes off or if you plan an extended stay away from home. To drain, turn off the water heater and main water supply, open all faucets in the house and drain the system by keeping the valves open. Drain all toilets by holding the lever down until the tank empties. If well water is used, the pump's electric switch should be shut off and the pressure tank and system should be drained.

Make sure auxiliary heaters and fireplaces are adequately maintained and serviced. Many fires related to auxiliary heating sources are preventable through simple maintenance. Before installing a wood-burning stove, check with local fire officials as to codes and proper installation techniques. Do not store kerosene in a non-approved container or in your home and be sure to keep alternative heat sources from flammable materials (walls, curtains, etc.).

Winter Fire Safety Tips: One of the best ways to protect you and your family from a house fire is by having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. By providing early warning of a fire, smoke detectors add additional seconds that can make the difference between life and death. Install a smoke detector on each level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Test the detectors once a month and change the batteries at least once per year (a good reminder is when we set our clocks backward an hour every October). Develop and escape plan with two ways out of each room. Practice your fire escape plan with your family and include a night-time drill. Don't use your oven or stove to heat your house. Smoking related fires are the number one cause of fire fatalities in Ohio; make sure all cigarettes are properly distinguished. Keep matches and lighters up high out reach of children. Heating equipment fires are the second leading cause of fire deaths in American homes and the biggest fire culprit December through February. Here are some specific fire prevention tips to keep in mind when heating your home:

PORTABLE AND OTHER SPACE HEATERS: Portable and space heaters can be fueled by electricity, natural gas, liquid or solid fuel. All must be kept at least three feet from anything that can burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and people. Space heaters should not be left on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep. Children and pets should be supervised when space heaters are in use. If you are using a kerosene heater, make certain the wick is cleaned and adjusted according to the manufacturer's specifications. Review operating and safety instructions. If you have a liquid-fueled space heater, use fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never use gasoline or any other substitute fuel because the wrong fuel could cause a serious fire. When refueling, turn off the heater and cool it down before adding fuel. Ensure everyone is aware of the high fire hazard associated with drying clothing or placing combustibles over heaters.

FIREPLACES AND WOOD STOVES: Be sure to annually replace the batteries in carbon monoxide detectors. Prior to the start of winter, have your chimney inspected by a professional and cleaned if necessary. Creosote, a chemical substance that forms when wood burns, builds up in chimneys and can cause chimney fires. To reduce the buildup of creosote in your chimney, you should burn only dry, seasoned wood and avoid slow burning, smoky fires. Always use a fireplace screen. Light a fire using only a small quantity of paper and kindling. Never use flammable liquids to kindle a fire. Create a three-foot safety zone around your stove. Keep furniture, clothing and anything else that can burn at least three feet away. Never leave small children in a room where a wood stove is in use. Wood stove users should dispose of ashes in metal containers with tight-fitting lids and set the container only on a noncombustible surface. Never dispose of ashes in a trash container.

HOLIDAY TIME: The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means cooking, lots of entertaining and an increased risk of fire. Follow these prevention tips to help keep your family safer during the holidays: Ohio averages approximately 10 fires per year that have started from ignited Christmas trees. Follow these holiday prevention tips to help keep your family safe during the holidays:

Holiday Cooking: Cooking is the number one cause of fires in homes. Most residential fires occur between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Every year in Ohio, 12 people lose their lives because of cooking related fires and nearly 300 others are injured. Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave, turn off the stove and oven.

Do not put any combustible materials such as towels, pot holders, napkins, etc. near any heating appliances.

Do not attempt to move a pan of grease that is on fire. Put a lid on the pan and turn off the heat source or use an ABC fire extinguisher. Alert the household so evacuation can begin.

Do not wear loose fitting clothing while cooking.

Do not leave pot handles sticking out for small children to grab or adults to knock over. Turn the handles toward the back of the stove.

Holiday Lighting and Christmas Trees: Follow these precautions for safe decorating:

Be sure candles are placed in sturdy, non-combustible holders and are kept well away from decorations and other combustible materials.

Under no circumstances is it safe to use candles to decorate Christmas trees.

Be sure all candles are extinguished before going to bed. Candles, as well as matches and lighters used to ignite them must be kept far from the reach of children.

Inspect your decorative electric light sets. Replace any that are found to have cracks, breaks, or loose wires.

Use only light sets labeled for outdoor use outdoors. Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the home.

Use only battery operated lights on metallic trees as electric lights on metallic can cause electrocution..
Check the manufacturer instructions to see how many lights can safely be connected to each other.

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant decorations to trim a tree.

Choose a fresh tree and put it in a stand designed not to tip.

Place the tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. Most Christmas tree fires happen late in the Christmas season after the trees have dried out.

If using a live tree in your home, remove it soon after Christmas before the needles become dry.

If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire retardant. Replace any frayed or damage cords.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. Carbon monoxide is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, gas ranges, burning charcoal and wood and heating systems.

Carbon monoxide is commonly known as "the silent killer." When a person breathes air that contains carbon monoxide, it is absorbed through the bloodstream, displaces oxygen and inhibits the bloods ability to carry oxygen to vital organs such as the heart and brain. Each year, more than 500 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, several thousand individuals are treated in hospital emergency rooms for carbon monoxide poisoning.

The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. High levels of carbon monoxide ingestion can cause loss of consciousness, coma and death. Unless suspected, carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Precautions:

· Carbon monoxide can be easily and cheaply detected in the home; several relatively inexpensive alarms are available. Consider placing a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home.

· Have the heating system inspected and serviced at least once a year.

· Have your chimney vent checked annually for blockages, corrosion, loose connections or debris.

· Ensure that chimney flues are completely opened when fireplaces are in use.

· Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.

· Never use a gas oven to heat your home.

· Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or in a closed garage.

· Don't sleep in any room with a non-vented gas or kerosene space heater.

· During a power outage, make sure your generator is operating in a well-ventilated area.

· Never leave a car or generator running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.

WINTER HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS:
Winter's various dangers to people can occur suddenly, like a heart attack while shoveling snow, or slow and stealthily like carbon monoxide poisoning. Hypothermia and frostbite are always a concern, especially for the elderly and for people with chronic health conditions. The Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Aging offer these safety tips to help keep you and your family safe this winter season.

Snow Shoveling Tips: Snow shoveling can cause serious injuries or death to people who are elderly, have chronic health problems or are not used to strenuous activity.

Wear sturdy shoes with rugged soles to help prevent slips and falls.

Never smoke while shoveling. Tobacco smoke constricts blood vessels just as cold air does; the combination could be dangerous.

If you become short of breath while shoveling, stop and rest. If you feel pain or tightness in your chest, stop immediately and call for help.

Have a partner monitor your progress and share the workload. If you have a heart attack, your partner can call for help and if trained, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until help arrives.

A shovel-full of dry snow can weigh about four pounds; wet snow can weigh significantly more. Warm up before shoveling by walking and stretching your arms and legs for a few minutes. Warm muscles are less likely to be injured and work more efficiently.

If you have a known health problem, use a snow blower or hire a snow removal service. Keep in mind, pushing snow blowers through heavy, packed snow can also present a health risk.

Frostbite Tips: Frostbite is the most common cold-related injury. Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing of skin tissue. Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation, those who drink alcoholic beverages, the elderly and people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.

Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also show signs of hypothermia, as described previously. Hypothermia is a more serious condition and requires emergency medical assistance.

To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, it is important to dress warmly in layers of loose windproof clothing and to go indoors when you begin to feel cold. Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing to trap body heat. Don't forget gloves or mittens and a hat that covers the ears. Be sure the outer layer of clothing is tightly woven to reduce body heat loss caused by wind.

Frostbite occurs in three stages: Early frostbite usually causes a reddening of the skin, followed by tingling and loss of feeling. Hypothermia is Middle-degree frostbite causes the skin to turn white (or gray for darker toned skin). Severe frostbite causes the skin to turn hard; gangrenous frostbite causes the skin to form blisters and blacken.

Hypothermia: A drop in body temperature, often caused by staying in a cool place for too long is called. Each year in the United States, more than 700 people die of hypothermia. Most of the victims were male and about 53 percent were 65 or older.

Long exposure when it's wet, windy and 30 to 50 degrees can be just as hazardous as dry, calm subzero weather. Wet clothes quickly draw heat from the body. In extremely cold weather, no one should participate in outdoor sports activities alone. People should drink plenty of nonalcoholic beverages to stay hydrated in cold, dry air.

Hypothermia can occur even inside a building. The thermostat should be set no lower than 65 or 70 degrees if the occupants are 75 or older.

Signs of Hypothermia:

· Confusion or memory loss

· Signs of memory loss

· Sleepiness

· Slowed, slurred speech or shallow breathing

· Weak pulse or low blood pressure

· Exhaustion

· A change in behavior during cold weather or a change in the way a person normally looks

· A lot of shivering or no shivering; stiffness in the arms or legs

· Poor control over body movements or slow reactions

· Chilly rooms or other signs that a person has been in a cold place

Who Is At Risk of Hypothermia and How Can It Be Prevented?

Infants younger than one year of age are at risk. They should never sleep in a cold room and should wear warm clothing and a have blanket to prevent loss of body heat.

Changes in your body that come with aging can make it harder to feel when you are getting cold. It may be harder for your body to warm itself. Pay attention to how cold it is where you are.

If you don't eat well, you might have less fat under your skin. Fat can protect your body. It keeps heat in your body. Make sure you are eating enough food to keep up your weight.

People with serious mental illnesses, developmental or cognitive disabilities who may not hear temperature or weather advisory warnings broadcast on TV or radio or may not fully recognize the significance of the cold weather warnings or who may wander are at serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

Some medicines that people take increase the risk of accidental hypothermia. These include drugs used to treat anxiety, depression, or nausea. Some over-the-counter cold remedies can also cause problems. Some illnesses may make it harder for your body to stay warm. They include:

· Disorders of the body's hormone system such as low thyroid (hypothyroidism)

· Any condition that interferes with the normal flow of blood such as diabetes

· Some skin problems such as psoriasis that allow your body to lose more heat than normal. Regularly visit your doctor who can keep any illness under control, and try to stay away from cold places

· Other health conditions might prevent people from moving to a warmer place or putting on more clothes or a blanket. For example:

· Severe arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or other illnesses that make it harder to move around

· Stroke or other illnesses that can leave a person paralyzed and make clear thinking more difficult

Memory disorders or dementia:

· A fall or other injury

Alcoholic drinks can also make a person lose body heat faster. People at risk of hypothermia should use alcohol moderately, if at all. They should not drink alcohol before bedtime when the temperatures become colder.

What can you do if you think someone might have hypothermia?

First, take his or her temperature. If the temperature does not rise above 96 degrees, call for help. This person must be seen by a physician. Most hospitals will have a thermometer that can read very low body temperatures and will begin warming the person's body from the inside out.

While waiting for help to arrive, you can keep the person warm and dry. Wrap the person in blankets, coats, towels - whatever you may have available. Your own body can serve as warmth. Lie close, but be gentle. Rubbing the skin of an older adult can make problems worse because his/her skin is thinner and could easily be

torn or injured by vigorous rubbing. Set the thermostat for at least 68 to 70 degrees. Remember to check the forecast for very cold or very windy weather. On these days, it might be best to remain indoors.

WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR THE VEHICLE

Winterize your vehicle. Get a tune-up to save wear and tear on its battery. Consider buying snow tires or chains for the tires, as your travel dictates. Chains would be best on glare ice.

Vehicle Care Tips:

· Check the radiator for its coolant level and check the sturdiness of hoses and belts.

· Refer to the vehicle's manual to see if a lighter grade of motor oil is recommended for winter driving.

· Check and replace all burned out headlights, tail lights and turn signals.

· Ensure that each tire's treads are one-sixteenth inch deep for adequate traction.

· Ensure the vehicle's brakes are in proper working order.

· Keep a bottle of window washer fluid in the trunk and ensure wiper blades are in good working order.

Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. Poisonous gases filter into your vehicle if the pipe is clogged.

Winter-wise Driving Tips

Pay attention to weather reports on the radio. Allow time in your schedule for bad weather and/or traffic delays. Become familiar with your vehicle's winter weather operating characteristics. Front-wheel-drive vehicles generally handle better than rear-wheel vehicles on slippery roads because the weight of the engine is on the drive wheels, improving traction.

Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Remember to clean head, tail and brake lights.

If you need to turn on your wipers, you need to turn on your headlights.

Bridges become slick and icy before roads. Bridge temperatures can be five to six degrees colder than roadways, so drive with extreme caution during freezing temperatures.

Keep your gas tank at least half full. Fill the tank before you park for lengthy periods. This will help prevent fuel line freeze-up.

Leave ample stopping time between you and the driver in front of you. Braking distance can be up to nine times greater on snowy, icy surfaces than on dry roads.

If your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), be sure to: STOMP - firmly depress the brake pedal. STAY on the brakes - do not pump the brakes. STEER where you want the vehicle to go.

During winter travel, it is best to supply those at your destination with the following information: your cell phone number, departure time, travel route and anticipated arrival time. If your vehicle locks freeze, heat your key. Do not pour hot water on the locks - they will refreeze. If you become stranded in your vehicle during a winter storm, it is best to remain inside your vehicle. At most, you will have guaranteed shelter. Other safety tips include:

· Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna, driver-side door handle or outside mirror.

· Have a charged and ready cell phone to call for help in case you become stranded.

· Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. Poisonous gases filter into your vehicle if the pipe is clogged.

· Run your engine and heater no more than ten minutes every hour. Crack open a window for ventilation when the engine is running.

· Light a flare to let people know you're stranded in the vehicle.

· Use floor mats, seat covers and blankets for added warmth. If you must leave your vehicle during a blizzard, secure a lifeline of rope or cord to your car to avoid becoming lost or disoriented.

· Keep bottled water in the car or melt snow in a coffee can for drinking water. Eating snow will only lower your body temperature.

· Remain calm. Chances for rescue are better if you remain calm and in your vehicle.

Winter Vehicle Safety Emergency Preparedness Kit

· Battery powered radio and extra batteries

· Flashlight or battery powered lantern and extra batteries

· Blankets or sleeping bags

· Booster (jumper) cables

· Fire Extinguisher (ABC type, 5 pounds)

· First Aid kit

· Non perishable high energy foods (granola bars, nuts, raisins, cheese crackers)

· Metal coffee cans to melt snow for drinking (bottled water may freeze)

· Brightly colored cloth to tie to your antenna so you are visible to responders

· Road/Emergency flares

· Compass and road maps

· Ice scraper and snow brush

· Shovel

· Tire Repair Kit

· Extra jacket, hat, gloves

· Bags of sand or non clumping cat litter or rock salt

· Tow rope or chain

· Cell phone and charger or extra battery

WINTER SEVERE/HAZARDOUS WEATHER TERMS

If the snowstorm is severe, stay indoors if at all possible. Don't jam phone lines -- save them for emergency use. Listen to weather bulletins and information from state and local authorities. Know these winter storm terms:

Winter Storm Outlook

Issued prior to an official Winter Storm Watch. The outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible. This is usually issued 48-72 hours in advance of a winter storm.

Winter Storm Watch

Alerts the public to the potential for blizzard conditions, heavy snow, significant icing or a combination of these events. Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a winter storm.

Winter Storm Warning

Issued when a combination of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is expected to occur. Winter storm warnings are usually issued six to 24 hours before the event is expected.

Heavy Snow

Around six inches of snow in 12 hours or less across northern Ohio, and four to five inches in 12 hours across central and southern Ohio; or around eight inches or more of snow in 24 hours or less across northern Ohio and six inches or more of snow in 24 hours across southern Ohio.
Significant Icing

Usually, an ice accumulation of ¼ inch or more from freezing rain, an accumulation of ½ inch or more of sleet, or a combination of freezing rain and sleet.

Blizzard Warning

Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities below ¼ mile. These conditions should persist for at least three hours.

Heavy Snow Warning

Six inches or more of snow in 12 hours or less or around eight inches or more of snow in 24 hours or less across northern Ohio.

Significant Icing Warning

Usually an ice accumulation of 1/4 inch or more from freezing rain, an accumulation of 1/2 inch or more of sleet, or a combination of freezing rain and sleet

Snow Advisory

Three to five inches in 12 hours or less will trigger an advisory for northern Ohio, while two to 3 inches will trigger an advisory in Central and Southern Ohio.

Freezing Rain, Freezing Drizzle Advisory

Any accretion or accumulation up to 1/4 inch.

Blowing and Drifting Snow Advisory

Issued when blowing snow will restrict visibility to 1/4 mile or less and cause significant drifting snow.

Lake Effect Snow Warning

Issued for the snow belt of northeast Ohio when lake effect snow is expected to accumulate to six inches or more in 12 hours or less, or eight inches of snow in 24 hours or less.

Winter Weather Advisories

Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet that will cause significant inconvenience and moderately dangerous conditions.

For snow – Three to five inches in 12 hours or less will trigger an advisory for northern Ohio, while two to three inches of snow will trigger an advisory in central and southern Ohio. For freezing rain, freezing drizzle – Any accretion or accumulation up to ¼ inch. For blowing and drifting snow – When blowing snow will restrict visibility to ¼ mile or less and cause significant drifting snow.

Lake Effect Snow Advisory

Issued when four to five inches of snow is expect to fall over the snow belt of northeast Ohio in 12 hours or less.

Dense Fog Advisory

Issued when widespread fog will reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less.

Wind Chill Advisory

Issued when severe wind chill temperatures are expected

What is Wind Chill Temperature?

It is the temperature it "feels like" outside and is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the wind increases, the body is cooled at a faster rate causing skin temperature to drop. Wind Chill does not impact inanimate objects like car radiators and exposed water pipes, because these objects cannot cool below the actual air temperature.

What does this mean to me?

The NWS will inform you when Wind Chill conditions reach critical thresholds. A Wind Chill Warning is issued when wind chill temperatures are life threatening. A Wind Chill Advisory is issued when the wind chill temperatures are potentially hazardous. These hazardous wind chill temperatures could lead to life-threatening situations, if caution is not exercised.

When are Wind Chill Warnings and Wind Chill Advisories issued?

The National Weather Service issues wind chill advisories when the wind chill temperature reaches -10° F to -24° F for more than a few hours with winds of 10 mph or greater. Wind chill warnings are issued when wind chill temperatures reach or exceed values of -25° F and colder for more than a few hours with winds of 10 mph or greater.

Additional safety information can be obtained from the Huron County Emergency Management Agency, 255-B Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk, 419-663-5772, or by visiting EMA's website at www.huroncountyema.com. -30-

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