Brace for bitter cold

SANDUSKY — Those forecasts from just a few days ago, predicting bone-chilling weather, became even more dire. Newer models show colder temperatures, stronger wind gusts and even a little snow starting this weekend and through Wednesday in and around the greater Sandusky area. It's even got meteorologists concerned, sending out public service announcements to properly warn people about taking the proper actions. This would include Ross Ellet, a meteorologist with 13abc in Toledo, who described the upcoming conditions as the "worst cold in at least six years." "Please take this seriously," Ellet said. "The last time we had an arctic blast that was comparable with both the high and low temperature, wind chill and length of extreme cold combined was late January 2019," according to a Thursday post made by Ellet. His upcoming forecast shows the following: • This weekend — a low of 11 degrees on Sunday morning to a high of 38 degrees on Saturday morning; The wind chill, meanwhile, hits its lowest point, at 2 degrees, on Sunday morning. • Monday morning — a low of minus 2 degrees with the wind chill dropping to minus 23 degrees • Monday evening — a low of 4 degrees with the wind chill dropping to minus 15 degrees • Tuesday morning — a low of minus 6 degrees with the wind chill dropping to minus 26 degrees • Tuesday evening — a low of 2 degrees with the wind chill dropping to minus 17 degrees • Wednesday morning — a low of minus 11 degrees with the wind chill dropping to minus 22 degrees Some snow should fall in the area as Ellet predicts a little more than 1 inch for the Sandusky area this weekend. There is sun in the forecast for Monday through Wednesday. "Think of it this way: Wind chill is more important to people and animals. Temperature is more important to things," Ellet said. "The actual air temperature is more important on materials and things and how they change at colder temperatures. For example, your car battery will have less power available at minus 10 (degrees) compared to zero degrees." Ellet warns people to not go outside if possible — and, if they do, don't linger. "Frostbite can occur in less than 15 minutes to exposed skin with the wind chill between minus 20 (degrees) to minus 30 degrees," Ellet said. Ellet also offered tips on the following: • Pets: "This could be a life-and-death situation for outdoor pets not equipped for the extreme cold. If at all possible, pets should be brought inside or have access to a shelter of some kind. Water bowls will also freeze rapidly." • Pipes: "The long-lasting cold will play a bigger threat to pipes than in most arctic outbreaks. This won't be as bad as the 2014 arctic blast but is expected to compare to the 2019 event. The winds will generally be out (from) the west to northwest. So vulnerable pipes along the west or northwest side of the house will be most at risk." • Car batteries: "The actual air temperature is more important than wind chill in this category. Newer car batteries should hold up through this arctic outbreak. Older batteries, four years old or older, or weak batteries are most at risk of not having enough power to start your car. The risk of battery failure is moderate on Monday. It is higher on Tuesday, and Wednesday morning will likely be the highest threat of car batteries not working." What to wear The Erie County Emergency Management Agency recommends what people should wear when temperatures reach or dip below zero degrees: • Three-plus layers, including one insulating, of clothing along with an outer layer, like a heavy jacket • Two-plus layers of pants • Warm hat • Face mask, including a scarf • Gloves • Waterproof boots "Remember: Breezy conditions combined with cold temperatures can cause hypothermia in 15 to 30 minutes if no precautions are taken," according to a statement from the county agency. "Dress in layers, cover skin and limit time outside. Stay safe and warm Erie County." Protect pets On Thursday, the Erie County Humane Society made an impassioned appeal for people to not neglect pets during this cold snap. "There is no discussion about this: If it is cold for you, it is cold for them. Period," according to a post written by the nonprofit's executive director Melissa Gundlach. "Being that cold is painful and inhumane. Your pet is your responsibility. Keep them warm. This cold is too cold for a dog house to do anything- they need to be brought into a warm building." She offered the following tips: • "Bring them inside. Period. This is life-threatening cold." • "Water freezes fast, so if you are providing water for wildlife or feral cats, be sure to change it often or use a heated water source." • "If you provide bedding for wildlife or feral cats — or for your dogs when they are outside for short periods — use straw. Fabric will collect condensation from their breathing and freeze." • "More calories are needed in cold weather for mammals to keep their body temperature regulated — provide additional food for pets." So what can people do with their animals stuck inside and might be bored? "Use this time to work on teaching a new trick or two, offer enrichment, rawhide-free chews, puzzle toys, snuffle mats. The ideas are endless," Gundlach said. "There are many products on the market, but plenty of free ideas, too." People can learn more by searching for "Humane Society of Erie County, Ohio" on Facebook. Protect people, too The county's emergency management agency stressed how "cold affects everyone, but the vulnerable populations need to be extra cautious during this extreme cold spell," according to a posting. As indicated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, here's who others should keep an eye on: • Newborns — "Newborns are extra sensitive to cold. They lose body heat more easily than adults and can't make enough body heat by shivering." • Elderly — "Older adults often make less body heat because of a slower metabolism and less physical activity, making them more susceptible to the cold." • Those with chronic illnesses — "People with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk for cold-related illnesses." • Outdoor workers — "Outdoor workers — such as farmers, construction workers and utility personnel — face higher risks of exposure to cold." • Homeless — "People without adequate clothing and/or shelter are at an increased risk of cold-related illnesses." "Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme cold, but these groups are more vulnerable than most," the administration noted. "Age and certain conditions make the body less able to regulate temperature." Seek shelter Generally, with extreme cold weather, Sandusky's government opens up its warming center at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 1920 Eddy Henry Way. People can stay overnight at the warming shelter, no questions asked, to receive shelter and a place protected from the bitter elements. Sandusky Transit, 419-627-0740, along with Sandusky police, 419-627-5863, will provide transportation for people to the warming center location for those in need. People just need to call these entities. People can also call the warming center's coordinator, Dora Grant, at 419-239-5567 for more information. More updates, including times when the shelter will open, can be found at facebook.com/cityofsandusky. Safe streets While there isn't much snow in the forecast, ice could still form, presenting dangerous on-road conditions for drivers. The four entities covering the largest chunk of Erie County's entire road network — the Ohio Department of Transportation, the county engineer's office along with Sandusky's and Perkins Township's governments — all said they're prepared to ensure safe travels for area motorists. Each offered a statement: Ohio Department of Transportation, organizational statement Our dedicated crews are out there battling snow, determined to keep the roads clear and you safe. Plows typically travel at slower speeds than other traffic and can make sudden stops and turns. They also create a snow cloud, which can reduce visibility when driving too closely. Be patient and give us room to work. Plan ahead and allow plenty of extra travel time if you must be on the road. Erie County, statement provided by engineer Eric Dodrill The county crews will continue to monitor and respond as necessary to poor road conditions. Our working relationship with the sheriff and other area maintenance departments allows us to respond to areas that may need additional attention. Salt begins to lose effectiveness in temperatures below 20 degrees, so we are hopeful that roadways can be cleared prior to the extreme cold. Residents are encouraged to take extra precautions to keep themselves and their families safe if they have to travel: • Monitor the weather • Dress appropriately • Keep extra cold-weather gear in your car • Maintain your car, tires, fuel and coolants • Do not use cruise control on slippery roads Perkins Township, statement provided by Gary Boyle Perkins Township will continue to have public works crews available 24/ 7 for snow removal and ice control on our roads. In this regard, the township develops a staffing schedule in the fall for the winter season in order to ensure that staff are scheduled to work specific shifts as well as scheduling staff to be on-call should there an extended weather event that we need to address. All of our snow plow trucks, loaders and other equipment are maintained and are ready to be deployed as needed. It is further noted that the township also has sufficient salt in storage for use in ice control as may be needed. Lastly, our police department monitors road conditions 24/7 and contacts public works (419-609-1400) whenever plowing and/or ice control is needed. Sandusky, statement provided by Aaron Klein If snow is in the forecast, we will pretreat with brine on the main routes. We will salt and plow as needed based on precipitation. Salt loses effectiveness with decreased temperatures, so we will apply it appropriately. Contractors are responsible for keeping their construction zones clear, specifically on Camp (Street) and Columbus (Avenue). Level up Additionally, local officials urged motorists to follow the Erie County Sheriff's Office's snow advisories whenever issued in relation to road conditions during inclement weather events: • Level 1 — Roadways are hazardous due to accumulated snow and ice. • Level 2 – Roadways are hazardous due to blowing and drifting snow and/or ice cover, and only those who believe it necessary should be on roadways • Level 3 — Roadways are closed to all non-emergency travel due to extremely hazardous conditions. No one should be on the roadway unless it is absolutely essential to travel. Those operating vehicles on the roadway for non-emergency reasons may be subject to arrest.