From the city of Pensacola: With the National Weather Service advising extremely cold temperatures and windy conditions for Escambia County and the City of Pensacola, residents are encouraged to exercise caution and utilize cold weather safety tips through the Christmas weekend.
Extremely cold conditions are expected beginning Thursday, Dec. 22, and last through the Christmas holiday weekend. Very windy conditions are also likely over land and marine areas. Wind chill values in the teens and twenties are possible Thursday night through Saturday night.
“We will soon have extended cold weather in our area during the Christmas holiday,” said Emergency Manager Travis Tompkins. “There are several things to keep in mind. There is cold weather sheltering available for men, women and children if needed. Call 211 for the latest sheltering information to include entry time, type and capacity.
“Waterfront Rescue Mission opens as a warming center during the day for both men and women when the temperature is 40 degrees or lower.
“If you are using a space heater, make sure that it is plugged directly into a wall. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip. Do not try to heat your home with a kitchen oven or open flame outside of a fireplace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is very real and is a silent killer.
“For our homeless providers, please help to get the word out about not having an open flame in a tent and at a minimum 10 feet away from a tent. We had fatalities due to tent fires last year and have already had a tent fire this season.”
Remember the Five Ps of Cold Weather Safety:
- Protect People: Remember to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. It is important to try to stay out of the wind and to stay dry. Also, remember to check on young children and elderly family and neighbors who are the most sensitive to cold weather. If the temperature cannot be maintained at a home, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere, including with friends and family.
- 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 Plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from dangerous temperatures.
- Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent freezing and breaking.
- 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.
For more information, monitor the local media and legitimate online and social media sources like Escambia County Emergency Management, US National Weather Service Mobile, and Florida SERT