Floridians Urged to Exercise Cold Weather and Fire Safety

RICK SCOTT Governor	BRYAN W. KOON Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, January 6, 2014	CONTACT: (850) 921-0217 aaron.gallaher@em.myflorida.com www.FloridaDisaster.org
COLD FRONT BRINGS FREEZING TEMPERATURES, WIND CHILL TO THE STATE ~ Floridians Urged to Exercise Cold Weather and Fire Safety~
TALLAHASSEE - Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) officials are urging residents and visitors throughout Florida to practice fire and cold weather safety as a strong arctic air mass brings freezing temperatures to the state through Wednesday morning.  Temperatures could reach as low as the upper teens in North Florida and along the Nature Coast, while Central Florida could see temperatures in the low 30s. “Decreasing temperatures and low wind chill values are expected across much of the state both Monday andTuesday night, extending far south as Palm Beach and Collier Counties,” said State Meteorologist, Amy Godsey.  “Floridians should monitor their local forecasts and take necessary precautions.” Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued Hard Freeze and Freeze Warnings for Monday night into Tuesday morning for North Florida and Central Florida. Windy and dry conditions will also increase the risk of wildfires.  A Freeze Warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely for at least two hours. A Hard Freeze Warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely, and will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation. Wind Chill notifications from the National Weather Service mean that the combination of cold temperatures and winds will generate low wind chill values and could lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken.  Residents and visitors should remember the "Five P's" of cold weather safety.  The “5 P’s” are: Protecting People, Protecting Plants, Protecting Pets, Protecting Exposed Pipes, and Practicing Fire Safety.  The following actions are important safety measures: Stay indoors and use safe heating sources. Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles. Keep such devices away from all flammable materials such as curtains and furniture, and install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Indoors: Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills that produce carbon monoxide. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in your home. Outdoors: Stay dry and in wind-protected areas. Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing. Drink non-alcoholic fluids. Shelter or bring inside animals, especially pets. The Division also urges Floridians to become Firewise and to Get A Plan! for their homes and businesses to prevent potentially hazardous wildfires. Along with Firewise prevention measures, officials urge residents to follow these guidelines set by the Division of Forestry:  Burning yard waste does not require an authorization from the Division of Forestry, but you should check with your local city and county officials to see if there are any restrictions in your area. Your fire must be contained to an eight-foot diameter pile or non-combustible barrel and must be at least 25 feet from forests, 25 feet from your house, 50 feet from a paved public road, and 150 feet from other occupied buildings. Don't burn on windy days or when humidity is below 30 percent. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is out before you leave. For additional information about severe weather in Florida, and to Get A Plan, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow FDEM on social media on Twitter at @FLSERT, Instagram @FloridaSERT, Vine @FloridaSERT, Pinterest at FloridaSERT, as well as  on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT andwww.Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.                                                                                                                   ###

http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments http://live.oysterradio.com/