Citizens Encouraged to Practice the Five P's of Cold Weather Safety

The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for inland Escambia County until 4 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Temperatures will likely drop to the upper 20's to lower 30's across most locations away from the immediate coast and in isolated rural areas.

With the lower temperatures and prospect of less than an inch of snow, it is increasingly possible for ice to form on bridges located north of I-10. Escambia County Road Crews are on-call and ready to respond as needed. Residents are asked to stay off the roads this evening, especially after 9 p.m., if at all possible. 

Citizens are urged to remember the five P's 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 the older 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: 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 the dangerous temperatures.
• Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent from 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. Space heaters need space! 

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.