Escambia County Urging Cold Weather Safety This Weekend

With the National Weather Service advising extremely cold temperatures and windy conditions for Escambia County, residents are encouraged to exercise caution and utilize cold weather safety tips throughout the weekend.

Escambia County could experience frequent wind speeds between 10-20 mph with wind gusts between 30-35 mph over inland areas in southern portions of the county. The coastal region of Escambia County can expect 15-25 mph wind speeds with gusts of 35-40 mph. In addition, Escambia County can experience temperatures as low as 19 degrees in the southern portion of the county.

“Wind gusts can bring the potential for below-freezing temperatures in Escambia County," said Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. "We encourage residents to be diligent while protecting their family and pets, and follow all safety precautions while heating your homes.”

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 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 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.

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. 

Weather Update from the Emergency Operation Center (Updated Jan. 28, 2022 at 6:32 a.m.)