As the 2024 hurricane season comes to a close, Escambia County continues to urge residents to remain weather-prepared during the colder months.
Escambia County encourages residents to observe the five Ps 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, elderly family members and neighbors who are the most sensitive to cold weather. If the temperature cannot be maintained at 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 dangerous temperatures.
- Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent them 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.
Practice Space Heater Safety
Escambia County Fire Rescue encourages residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.
Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.
Keep the Wreath Green
While a joyous time of year, cold weather, holiday decorations and festivities can create serious fire dangers. Escambia County Fire Rescue, in collaboration with the Pensacola Fire Department, has launched its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign, which began on Sunday, Dec 1. Firefighters hope to reduce the number of fires by promoting simple, life-saving holiday safety tips each day in December.
Waterfront Rescue Mission Cold Weather Sheltering
Escambia County has partnered with Waterfront Rescue Mission to establish a consistent cold weather sheltering plan for the community, providing free shelter options for men, women and children to stay during cold weather events.
Through the partnership, Waterfront Rescue Mission will be the central receiving point for anyone in need of emergency shelter when the temperature drops to 40 degrees or less. Waterfront will coordinate with other partner agencies including ReEntry Alliance Pensacola to ensure anyone needing cold weather shelter can be accommodated.
During declared cold weather events, men can stay at Waterfront Rescue Mission at no charge, and Waterfront will work with REAP to house women and children overnight. If no accommodation can be made, Waterfront will still shelter anyone during cold weather emergencies.
Waterfront Rescue Mission also operates as a Day Resource Center Monday-Friday under normal circumstances, but it will be open 24 hours a day during cold weather events to serve as a warming center for anyone who needs to get out of the cold.
Learn more about Escambia County Emergency Management at MyEscambia.com/BeReady. You can also follow @BeReadyEscambia on X (formerly known as Twitter), like Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook, and follow @EscambiaBeReady on Instagram for the latest news and updates on emergencies impacting our community.
