hello world!
Published: November 14, 2016

Are You Ready For Extreme Cold?

Let's face it, Wyandot County.  It is highly unlikely that we will soon have another winter like last year.  With that in mind, the Wyandot County Emergency Management Agency wants to remind people how to stay safe during periods of extreme cold.  Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can cause serious or life-threatening health problems.  To avoid these potential health and safety problems, follow these tips:

  1. Plan ahead by preparing an emergency supply kit for both the home and car.
  2. Make sure fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters are properly vented to the outside, and use only the type of fuel a heater is designed to use-DON'T SUBSTITUTE!
  3. Never leave children unattended near a space heater or fireplace.
  4. Never use gas powered electric generators indoors.
  5. If water pipes in your home freeze, do not use a torch to thaw them.  Instead, use the warm air from a hair dryer to slowly thaw them.
  6. Check on elderly friends, neighbors, and family members frequently to ensure that their homes are adequately heated. And don’t forget about your outdoor pets.

By preparing your home and car for a winter emergency, you can avoid the risk of weather related health problems.  For more information on how to better prepare your home and car for winter weather please visit www.ready.ohio.gov build a kit, make a plan, be prepared.

If you find you are without heat in your home, consider sheltering temporarily with friends or relatives, or in emergency situations contact the American Red Cross at 419-422-9322 to find the closest shelter near you.

Wyandot County Public Health is nationally accredited through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Established in 2007, PHAB is the non-profit organization that administers the national accreditation program, which aims to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation.