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Ohio
Senate President Keith Faber…
President Faber
Urges Ohioans to Take Precaution Against Cold Weather
COLUMBUS– Senate President Keith Faber (R–Celina) today urges all
residents of Western Ohio to take additional precautions during the
pending bitter cold temperatures descending on the Midwest over the
next 48 hours.
To reduce the risk of accidents and falls, as well as health-related
issues such as hypothermia and frostbite, the Ohio Department of Public
Safety urges residents to minimize your time outdoors and travel only
when necessary.
“I urge all Ohioans to be mindful of their sick and elderly neighbors
during the current spout of extremely cold temperatures,” said Faber.
“Everyone should take all necessary steps to keep their family safe by
traveling only when necessary and wearing proper clothing when exposed
to the cold.”
The Ohio Department of Public Safety urges Ohioans to observe these
important steps to keep themselves, their family, and those around them
safe:
Check on your neighbor:
Ohioans are urged to check on their neighbors as temperatures across
much of the state are expected to dip into the negative double-digits.
Ohioans should get in touch with friends, family and loved ones, and
help spread the word about how to stay safe in the extreme cold.
Learn how to best help older Ohioans in your neighborhood with these
tips from the Ohio Department of Aging.
Follow these important steps to protect yourself, your family and your
neighbors:
Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they
are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the
indoor air space.
Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors—the fumes are deadly.
Never leave lit candles unattended.
Keep as much heat as possible inside your home.
Check the temperature in your home often during severely cold weather.
Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.
Eat well-balanced meals to help you stay warmer.
If you must go outside:
Dress warmly and stay dry.
Wear a hat, scarf, and mittens.
Avoid frostbite.
If you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly.
Avoid walking on ice or getting wet.
Notify friends and family where you will be before you go hiking,
camping, or skiing.
Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all
possible.
If you are stranded, it is safest to stay in your car.
Be cautious about travel:
Listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by
the National Weather Service.
Do not travel in low visibility conditions.
Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all
possible.
If you must travel by car, use tire chains and take a mobile phone with
you.
If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you
expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late.
Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you
leave.
Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow; shattering
may occur.
Don’t rely on a car to provide sufficient heat; the car may break down.
Always carry additional warm clothing appropriate for the winter
conditions.
Know the risks of extremely cold temperatures:
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster
than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use
up your body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally
low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the
brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This
makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know
it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.
Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur
even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from
rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water. Frostbite is an injury to the
body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a 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 and among people who are not
dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
Senator Faber represents Ohio’s 12th Senate District, which encompasses
all of Allen, Champaign, Mercer, and Shelby Counties as well as
portions of Auglaize, Darke, and Logan Counties. He currently serves as
President of the Ohio Senate. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Faber.
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