The National Weather Service has issued a hard freeze warning for Northwestern Florida. The warning is in effect from 9 p.m. (CST) Tuesday, to 9 A.M. Wednesday. Expect sub-freezing temperatures between 12 and 20 degrees. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
Santa Rosa County Florida Public Safety urges residents to be prepared for the extremely cold weather that will settle in the area on Tue., Jan. 16 by remembering the 5 P’s of cold weather safety. Santa Rosa County is under a hard freeze warning and wind chill advisory from 9 p.m. Tuesday evening through 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. According to National Weather Service Mobile, the lowest temperatures will range from 12 degrees to 20 degrees over most of the region (except mid 20s along the beaches and barrier islands). Exposed pipes and unprotected outdoor plumbing can burst in these conditions.
Dangerously low wind chill values of zero to 10 degrees are expected Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning. The very cold airmass will stay in place through Wednesday night. Highs on Wednesday still only look to reach into the 40s while lows will fall back into the 20s, with 30s along the coast. Winds should be lighter Wednesday night so wind chills will not be as cold.
5 P’s of Cold Weather Safety
Protect People: Remember to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than one bulky sweater. Cover as much skin as possible. It is important to try to stay out of the wind and to stay dry. Also, remember to check on young children and elderly family and neighbors who are the most sensitive to cold weather. If the temperature cannot be maintained at home, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere, including with friends and family. Limit time outdoors.
Protect Pets: If cold weather is in the forecast, be sure to bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter to stay in.
Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent freezing and breaking.
Protect Plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from dangerous temperatures.
Practice Fire Safety: Use safe heating sources indoors. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. Also, make sure to use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames.
Santa Rose County Cold Weather Shelter Open for Extended Hours Mon., Jan. 15 through Thur., Jan. 18
Due to the expected daily cold temperatures, the cold weather shelter for the homeless and/or heatless will open at 6:30 p.m. on Mon., Jan. 15, and will remain open 24 hours a day until 7 a.m. on Thur., Jan. 18. The cold weather shelter is located at Ferris Hill Baptist Church, 6848 Chaffin St. in Milton. Only service animals (with verification of rabies vaccination) are permitted to stay with guests. No one will be admitted after 8:30 p.m. each night unless brought in by law enforcement.
Santa Rosa County’s cold weather shelter is operated by Ferris Hill Baptist Church, utilizing volunteer resources and donations. It opens each night weather is forecasted to drop below 40 degrees, typically November through March. The shelter is for people who are homeless or cannot maintain heat in their home, can care for themselves, and are not at risk to themselves or others. No one will be admitted to the shelter who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, unable to walk unaided or disoriented.
