Ashtabula County Fire Chiefs and the Ashtabula County EMS Council wishes you and yours a safe and happy Holiday season and would like to take this opportunity to remind you;

Having an emergency plan and disaster supply kit will help you manage in almost every kind of crisis, whether natural or cuased by humans. It is important to familiarize yourself with a variety of hazards and what to do.

Cold snaps and heat waves can be as challenging and deadly as any other natural disaster. You can best whether these times through preseason preparation and the right know how.

Preparing for a Winter Storm

Stock up on food, water medicines, and heating fuel. Use all necessary caution when choosing and sing space heating equipment.

Secure backup heat sources such as a kerosene heater. Never use charcoal, gas, or propane heaters indoors.

Have rock salt and or sand on hand for use on icy walkways.

Weather-strip windows and doors to help seal out the cold.

When choosing to lower your thermostate to save on heating costs, take into consideration the dangers of hypothermia especially in the elderly and sick.

During wintertime, it is a good idea to wear several layers of clothing and a hat outdoors. Covering your mouth with a scarf will protect your lungs from the cold air.

Watch for signs of frostbite such a loss of feeling along with paleness in the tip of your nose, fingers, toes, and earlobes. Signs of hypothermia include uncorollable shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, memory loss, and disorientation.

Keep friends and neighbors advised of your driving schedule and route to be taken.

Have your mechanic winterize your vehicle. Your mechanic will check wipers, battery, heater, defroster, and ignition system. Lights, oil, and tire pressure should also be checked.

From our families to your family, may you find peace, joy, and the warmth of family and friends this holiday season.