(Lawrenceville, Ga., January 28, 2014) – Weather forecasters are predicting a winter storm that may bring snow and the potential for black ice to Gwinnett County later today and overnight. Firefighters are encouraging people to monitor weather and road conditions and to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. Travel may become treacherous once snow or black ice begins to accumulate on bridges, overpasses, and secondary streets.  If you are on the roadway, remember to drive slow and watch for accumulated snow or black ice to form. “If you don’t have to go out, stay indoors and off the streets,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge. Personnel from Gwinnett Fire, Police, and Emergency Management are working in a coordinated effort with Gwinnett DOT to monitor weather and travel conditions. Priorities for clearing of roadways will be set according to public safety response needs.  The fire department will be placing additional emergency response resources in-service later this evening in anticipation of weather related incidents. 

Primary concerns during a winter storm are the inability to travel, loss of heat, power, natural gas, and telephone service. There may be a shortage of essential supplies in the home such as food, water, and medications. Every household should have an emergency preparedness plan in place. Start by posting important numbers by the telephone, such as utility companies and emergency responders. The plan should include a winter weather kit that can be easily put together. The following is a list of items to remember: 

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio and a portable AM/FM radio
• Extra food and water, such as non-perishable/high energy foods and snacks   
• Extra medications
• Extra baby items, especially if you have  infants or small children
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Blankets, sleeping bags, and extra clothing for warmth
• Charge all cell phones ahead of time 
• Gather and store extra firewood in a dry sheltered area
• Have all home heating appliances serviced by a qualified technician

HOME HEATING SAFETY:

            Always keep safety in mind when using home heating appliances. Build a small fire in the fireplace to heat a room. A fire that is too big or to hot could damage the chimney and catch the house on fire. Make sure the fire in the fireplace is completely out before leaving the home or when going to sleep. Never use a charcoal grill or patio fireplace inside the home. Portable electric space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly. Keep plenty of space around the heater and remember to turn the heater off if you leave the room for an extended period of time or when going to sleep. Never place combustibles such as clothing, furniture, or bedding too close to the space heater. Kerosene heaters should be used in well ventilated areas. In order to refuel a kerosene heater, allow the heater to properly cool and always refuel outdoors. Remember to use the proper type of fuel for kerosene heaters. Never mix kerosene with other types of fuels. Kerosene heaters should not be left burning for an extended period of time, especially when leaving the home or going to sleep.  

GENERATORS:

            If you lose power and employ a portable generator, remember to keep the generator outside and a safe distance from the house.  Never use generators inside a basement or garage. The generator should be placed outside in a well-ventilated area.  Use only the amount of power necessary to maintain essential appliances and lights.

SAFETY OUTDOORS:

            The prolonged cold temperatures could cause a thin sheet of ice to form on open bodies of water. Avoid any frozen body of water such as a lake, creek, ditch, or pond. The ice will not be thick or strong enough to support the weight of a child or pet. Post warning signs around frozen bodies of water. Avoid contact with downed power lines. If you lose power, don’t go outside in the dark to investigate. Contact with an energized electrical line may cause severe injury or death. All downed power lines should be considered live. Report downed power lines to the fire department and the appropriate utility company. Limit time outdoors in the cold. Prolonged exposure to cold may cause hypothermia or frostbite. Wear multiple layers of clothing and remember to cover your hands, face, and ears whenever possible. Consider safety precautions for outdoor pets. Bring pets indoors if at all possible. The improper use of heat lamps to warm pet areas should be avoided due to the potential fire hazard or injury to pets.

Remember to frequently check on the elderly and those who live alone.  Stay tuned to local news outlets to monitor road conditions and changing weather information.