FEMA Offers Safety Tips for Continued Bitterly Cold Temperatures

Joseph V. Sowmick - February 24, 2015

In an effort to provide bonus coverage, Team Observer joins with Nimkee Public Health Emergency Planning, SCIT Public Relations and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in this public service announcement from their Chicago field office.  

“The bitter cold temperatures has forced local area schools to close and just a brief exposure to this winter weather can be severe,” SCIT Emergency Planning Coordinator and Nimkee Public Health Nurse Helen Williams informs.  “Preparation and having an emergency plan is key for all families and the information that FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security is providing is accurate and timely.”

SCIT Public Relations Manager Marcella Hadden mentions the Sasiwaans Language Immersion Program, Saginaw Chippewa Academy and the Youth LEAD Afterschool Programs were all canceled because of the unseasonably cold weather.  

“In winter weather like this, it is a good idea to check up on family and friends to make sure they are safe and warm,” Hadden said.  “We also need to remember our pets during this time because their exposure to these temperatures, even for a brief time, can be fatal to them.

FEMA Offers Safety Tips for Continued Bitterly Cold Temperatures Expected This Week
CHICAGO – Dangerously low temperatures and bitterly cold wind chills continue to be in the forecast for much of the Midwest this week. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to be safe when faced with the hazards of cold temperatures.
“Whether traveling or at home, subfreezing temperatures and wind chills can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don't take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Regional Administrator. “FEMA continues to urge people throughout the Midwest to monitor their local weather reports and take steps now to stay safe.”
During cold weather, you should take the following precautions:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold;
• Dress in layers and keep dry;
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance;
• Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
• Bring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.
• Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, blanket and flashlight – and keep the fuel tank above half full.
• If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home. If you must drive, don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule and stay on main roads.

You can find more information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.