The National Weather Service in Jacksonville, FL has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect from Midnight Tuesday night to 6pm Wednesday, January 29th. Rain will be changing to freezing and sleet may produce ice accumulations which would result in dangerous driving conditions on icy roads and bridges. If you do not have to be out in the bad weather, please avoid it. Be especially cautious on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads. You may encounter ice on bridges or in shady areas of roadways. Other impacts may include power outages due to significant ice on trees and powerlines. If you experience a power outage, contact your electrical service provider as soon as possible.
Prepare for the storm by acquiring a reliable source of weather information. You can sign up for weather alerts for your mobile phone or email at www.weather.com or purchase a NOAA Weather Radio and have fresh batteries for your radio. Make sure you have emergency supplies such as firewood (if you have a fireplace), food that is non-perishable, emergency equipment such as generators and flashlights, water for drinking and cooking, and charge your mobile phone or laptop.
Your home will need to be prepared so make sure your pipes are dripping and properly insulated and make sure you know where to shut off your home’s water in case a water pipe bursts. Remember to keep all space heaters away from furniture, drapes, and flammable objects and never leave them turned on in a room where no one is present. If your power goes out, be prepared with proper clothing and extra bedding to keep you warm and contact your electrical service provider.
Most of all, stay home, stay warm and out of the storm if at all possible. For local emergencies, dial 9-1-1. For City of Douglas Utility emergencies, dial 3-1-1 or 384-3302.
