Residents Encouraged to Monitor Freeze Warning

With Escambia County under a Freeze Warning beginning Monday evening, March 16, residents are urged to take winter weather precautions and practice home heating safety.

Freeze Warning:

• According to the National Weather Service of Mobile, a Freeze Warning is in effect for the northern and central parts of Escambia County beginning Monday, March 16 at 10 p.m. until Tuesday, March 17 at 9 a.m.
• Temperatures will fall between 28-32 degrees with wind chill values into the mid to upper-20s. Areas of Escambia County outside of the Freeze Warning will still experience freezing temperatures between 35-40 degrees.

Residents are urged to take winter weather precautions when preparing their homes for extremely cold temperatures. Click here for home heating safety tips.

Waterfront Rescue Mission has opened its doors for those seeking refuge from the freezing temperatures. Click here for more information.

For additional weather information, visit the NWS website.

Five P's of Cold Weather Safety

Remember the five P's of cold weather preparedness:

• 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, bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter.
• 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, a deadly gas. Also, use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames.

For more cold weather safety tips, visit the Escambia County website.