Local Emergency Services Agencies Urge Caution During Bitterly Cold Weather

The Effingham County Health Department and Effingham County Emergency Management urges residents to take precautions and stay alert to weather changes and road conditions throughout the weekend.

When traveling during winter please fill your fuel tank and take with you the following:

• shovel and ice scraper
• jumper cables
• flashlight
• blankets
• cell phone and charger
• food and water
• any necessary medications
• sand or kitty litter
• warning devices such as flares and emergency markers

Below zero wind chills are predicted Saturday and Sunday. Residents are encouraged to limit their exposure time to severe cold. In order to reduce exposure and possible frostbite, cover all exposed parts of the body while outside. Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure of the skin and can occur in as little as 30 minutes. The symptoms of frostbite are numbness and white or pale appearance to the skin. Frostbite can permanently damage the skin. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition brought on when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees.

Residents are also encouraged to make sure pets have access to shelter from severe weather and extremely cold temperatures this weekend.

Effingham County residents experiencing power outages and in need of temporary warming may contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s office at 217-342-2101 and select option #1 to speak to an officer and be put in contact with warming center resources.