LOWNDES CO. – Lowndes County Emergency Management reminds residents of the 4P’s ahead of the bitter cold this week.

Release:

This week and through the weekend, Lowndes County will experience the coldest temperatures of the season.  A strong cold front will move through the region on Tuesday, bringing in cold temperatures Tuesday night. By midnight Tuesday, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing and not expected to rise above freezing again until 9 AM on Wednesday. Wind chills are expected to be as low as 14 degrees in Lowndes County Wednesday morning as a result of 10 to 15 mph winds combined with temperatures in the low to mid-20s. A Hard Freeze Warning is in effect Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Lowndes County Emergency Management wants to remind residents of the 4 P’s ahead of the bitter cold- People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.

People

Children, the elderly, and the homeless are the most vulnerable to these extreme freezing temperatures. Still, everyone needs to take proper precautions and stay in an adequately warmed shelter as much as possible.  If you must be outside, dress in several warm layers and limit exposure to the wind and direct elements.  Check on elderly neighbors and family to ensure they have adequate heating resources. 

Shelters are open at the Salvation Army located at 317 Virginia Ave and LAMP located at 714 Charlton St.  Lowndes County Emergency Management is monitoring the capacity at these shelters.  If these shelters become full, local stakeholders will be notified so additional sheltering resources can be considered.

When heating your home using alternative heat sources, such as space heaters, make sure they are well away from any flammable materials such as curtains, bed sheets, furniture, etc.  Improper use of space heaters is a common, preventable cause of house fires each year during the winter months.  Also, make sure no one ever uses a stove or oven to heat their home.  Likewise, you should never sit in a running vehicle, in an enclosed space such as a garage, to stay warm.  Carbon Monoxide can build up and lead to asphyxiation.  In the event, there are any power outages, and you use a generator to power heaters or other appliances, make sure the generator is set up in a well-ventilated location as it produces Carbon Monoxide while running as well. 

Pets

Pets are not immune to the freezing effects of these extreme temperatures.  If possible, they should be brought inside during freezing conditions.  If they must remain outside, make sure they have a shelter to get inside and have some hay, blankets, or other insulating material to help keep them warm.  Also, make sure to check their water bowls regularly as they are likely to freeze, but they will still need water to stay hydrated. Animal control ordinances in Lowndes County require pet owners to be responsible and make sure that certain provisions are met to ensure their pets have adequate food, water, and shelter.  Those who do not provide for their animals properly are subject to criminal liabilities. 

Pipes

Pipes should properly be sealed from cracks and holes. Allow water to drip from the indoor faucets and cover any exposed pipes outside.

Plants

Either cover plants to keep them warm at night or bring them inside so they can flourish.

For more information on Winter weather and preparedness, visit www.ready.gov or https://www.weather.gov/.