Cold Weather Still Ahead: City Of Cleveland Says Use Caution

CLEVELAND, OH -- As the year's first major snow is here, the City of Cleveland reminds everyone of precautionary measures to help ensure winter safety:

Check emergency supply kits

Do you have extra winter clothes, sufficient food and water, extra batteries, flashlights, and a battery or hand-crank radio? What about medications, toys for the kids, pet food, and copies of important information such as numbers for your local utilities? While checking on your own supplies, take some time to check on your neighbors and the elderly. Ensure that all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working properly.

Take personal precautions and check on the vulnerable

The cold weather may put a strain on your heart; follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or other strenuous work. Many injuries result from falls on ice-covered surfaces; make sure to keep steps and walkways clean and free of ice. Infants and the elderly are most at risk for cold-related illness; keep in touch with elderly or at-risk neighbors or relatives, making sure they are safe and that their homes are adequately heated.

Dress appropriately in the cold

Almost all cases of hypothermia and frostbite are preventable. If you must be outside, dress appropriately: wear loose fitting layers to provide overall body warmth, a hat, scarf, mittens and boots will provide additional protection from the elements. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Keep dry, change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. If you suspect hypothermia or frostbite, call 911 immediately; if possible, protect the person from further exposure to the cold, remove any wet clothing and warm without rubbing the affected areas.

Pay attention to snow parking bans

If snow accumulation exceeds two inches or more, a Snow Emergency Parking Ban may be enacted. The ban allows plows sufficient time to remove snow and ice and move through city streets at a good pace. When a snow ban goes into effect, stopping, standing, and parking of vehicles will be restricted and prohibited on City streets with posted red and white signs. Anyone who fails to comply will be ticketed and towed.

Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather

Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water. Don’t forget or skip planning and preparing for your animals.

Residents may also access the City’s geographic information system (GIS) to see the routes City snow plows will clear during a snow event.

File Photo By Jeff Stacklin