(Cleveland) - It's possible that a major snow storm might hit Northeast Ohio this weekend, with the National Weather Service issuing the following statement:
"A strong low pressure system will reach the Ohio Valley over the weekend. This system has the potential to bring significant snow to much of the region on Saturday and Sunday followed by heavy lake effect snow Sunday through Monday. While the storm track and amounts are somewhat uncertain at this time, widespread travel impacts are likely this weekend across the region. An Arctic blast with dangerous wind chills will move into the area Sunday through early next week. Potential wind chills could drop to
-10 to -25 degrees by Sunday night into Monday."
As the first winter storm of the year approaches City of Cleveland officials are reminding residents about some things to be aware of to prepare before the snow flies.
Winter Weather Preparedness Tips:
· Be Extra Cautious and check on the vulnerable: The cold weather may put a strain on your heart. Follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or other strenuous work. Many injuries result from falls on ice-covered surfaces. Make sure to keep steps and walkways clean and free of ice. Infants and the elderly are most at risk for cold-related illness. Keep in touch with elderly or at-risk neighbors or relatives, making sure they are safe and that their homes are adequately heated.
· Dress Appropriately in the Cold: Almost all cases of hypothermia and frostbite are preventable. If you must be outside, dress appropriately: wear loose fitting layers to provide overall body warmth, a hat, scarf, mittens and boots will provide additional protection from the elements. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Keep dry, change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. If you suspect hypothermia or frostbite, call 911 immediately. If possible, protect the person from further exposure to the cold, remove any wet clothing and warm without rubbing the affected areas.
· Bring Pets/Companion Animals Inside During Winter Weather: Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water. Don’t forget or skip planning and preparing for your animals! For concerns about pets outside in extreme weather call 216-664-3069.
· Check Emergency Supply Kits: Do you have extra winter clothes, sufficient food and water, extra batteries, flashlights, and a battery or hand-crank radio? What about medications, toys for the kids, pet food, and copies of important information such as numbers for your local utilities? While checking on your own supplies, take some time to check on your neighbors and the elderly. Ensure that all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working properly.
· CodeRED: Winter weather brings many challenges for our citizens and in order to stay informed of emergencies during this winter season, the City encourages everyone to sign up for CodeRED. It is simple and easy to access. Click on this link and follow the instructions. Users can download the application or sign up online.
· Pay Attention to Snow Parking Bans: If snow accumulation exceeds 2 inches or more, a Snow Emergency Parking Ban may be enacted. The ban allows plows sufficient time to remove snow and ice and move through city streets at a good pace. When a snow ban goes into effect, stopping, standing, and parking of vehicles will be restricted and prohibited on City streets with posted red and white signs. Anyone who fails to comply will be ticketed and towed.
· Don’t Block the Box: Ensure you can move all the way through an intersection before the traffic signal changes. Stopping in the middle of an intersection prohibits oncoming vehicles from passing through that intersection and can result in grid lock. In addition, be aware of traffic control officers who may be outside on the street directing traffic.
(Photos by Ken Robinson/WTAM)
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