Prepare for Cold Weather in Escambia County

The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for all of Escambia County. Temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing with wintry precipitation, with a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow with accumulation of .1 inch overnight. Some parts of the county will not see temperatures above freezing until Friday. A dangerously low wind chill is forecast Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with Pensacola forecast to be 13 degrees at 7 a.m. when factoring the wind.  A hard freeze warning is in effect for Wednesday night and Thursday morning. 

Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has announced the cancellation of school for Escambia County students and staff, including all district events, on Wednesday, Jan. 17. At this time, students, parents and district staff should plan on a regular school day for Thursday, Jan. 18, with all administrative offices being open as well. 

Escambia County Public Works crews are clearing weep holes and sanding bridges in the county today. Any closures will be announced as they occur and residents can check online 24/7 at www.myescambia.com/roadissuesmap.

With below-freezing temperatures throughout the week, any lingering precipitation accumulation on roads will cause slick travel conditions, even after the rain, sleet or snow ends. It is best to stay off the roads if possible, but follow these safety tips from AAA and AARP if driving on icy roads:

• Bridges freeze before roads. This occurs because a bridge is in contact with freezing air from all sides. A road is in contact only with the air above it.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to 10 seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Stay in the right lane. There is no need to drive quickly in snowy or icy conditions.
• Be careful when changing lanes. The area between lanes may have a buildup of crunchy ice, which should be avoided. If you must change lanes, do so gradually while holding the steering wheel firmly.
• Beware of “black ice.” It is ice that forms with almost no air bubbles, which makes the ice transparent and appears the same color as the road surface. On asphalt or dark-colored roads, this ice appears black. Black ice is extremely dangerous because it is so difficult to see. The only way you will know if you have hit a patch of black ice is that you will start sliding. Take your foot off the gas pedal and do not step on the brake; continue driving straight. Hopefully, the patch will end soon and you will be back in control on the road again.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t.

Citizens are also 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.