Governor DeWine Urges Ohioans to Take
Precautions Due to Extreme Cold
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine continues to encourage Ohioans to take precautions due to the cold weather.
According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio is experiencing a deep Arctic air mass that will keep temperatures well below normal throughout the week. The coldest wind chill factor is expected from tonight to Tuesday, with wind chill values of 20 to 25 degrees below zero. Below normal temperatures are expected to continue through the first week of February.
"Although the statewide threat for heavy falling snow has passed, the extreme cold is only just beginning and is expected to last for some time," said Governor DeWine. "I encourage everyone to take caution for their own health and safety and for the health and safety of family, friends, and neighbors."
The following tips and advice can be attributed to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Aging, and Ohio State Fire Marshal.
With extremely cold temperatures forecasted for the week, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to stay home if possible. If you must travel, your preparation should begin with a thorough check of your vehicle:
- Make sure that your tires have a good amount of air and tread, your battery is fully charged, and your windshield washer reservoir is full.
- Drivers should stock their vehicles with a winter travel kit that includes an ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, blankets, cell phone charger, first aid kit, water, and food. Warming items will be especially important for the upcoming week.
Driving on Snow, Ice, or Slush-Covered Roads
When driving on snow, ice, or slush-covered roadways, drivers should avoid sharp, abrupt movements and should not slam on the brakes. Drivers should also increase their following distance, giving themselves more time to come to a stop on surfaces with low traction.
If you start losing control or skidding, resist the urge to slam on the brakes. Instead, look and steer in the direction you want to go while easing off the pedals.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Snow
Turn on your hazard lights and call #677 or 911 for assistance. It is important that you clear your tailpipe of any possible debris to decrease the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If Your Vehicle Breaks Down or Crashes
Turn on your hazard lights, safely move your vehicle as far off the roadway as possible, and call #677 or 911 for assistance. It is important that you remain inside your vehicle until help arrives.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Media Contact:
Lt. Brice Nihiser, [email protected], 614-752-2792
Check on Older Friends, Relatives, & Neighbors
Checking in on older friends, relatives, and neighbors during severe weather helps them feel connected and gives you an opportunity to spot potential issues and help them get assistance if they need it.
- Check their home: Is the temperature comfortable? Are they heating it safely? Is there any damage to their home? Are outdoor walkways clear of snow, ice, and debris?
- Check their health: Do they appear alert and aware? Have they fallen? Are they taking their medications as prescribed? Do they need medical attention?
- Check that their daily needs are being met: Do they have safe food and water? Are they able to do what they need to do? Do they have someone to call for support and a reliable way to call for emergency help if they need it?
You can check in on an older loved one or neighbor by telephone, text message, email, video call, or in-person if it is safe to travel.
Prevent Falls and Cold Weather Injuries
Older Ohioans should also take special care during wintry conditions to prevent falls and cold-weather injuries:
- Wear boots or shoes with good traction.
- Make sure steps and handrails are sturdy.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure by staying indoors.
Ohio Department of Aging Media Contact:
Brianne Betts, [email protected], 614-949-7365
The Ohio State Fire Marshal is urging Ohioans to keep fire safety in mind when heating their homes, especially when using alternative heat sources like space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves.
Space Heaters
Last winter in Ohio, 108 fires were attributed to space heaters.
- Keep all space heaters, regardless of type, at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, furniture or combustible items.
- Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep.
- Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet; never use extension cords, power strips, or plug two space heaters into the same outlet.
- Choose space heater models with automatic shut-off features in case they tip over.
Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
- Have chimneys and flues professionally inspected and cleaned each year.
- Use a fireplace screen to keep sparks and embers from “jumping” into the home.
- Keep combustible items at least three feet from the fireplace.
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood. Do not burn trash, cardboard, or treated lumber.
- Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them. When you do dispose of them, only use a metal container that is stored outside.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
In December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025, Ohio fire departments responded to 1,786 incidents involving the presence of carbon monoxide (CO).
- Test smoke and CO alarms monthly and replace batteries at least twice a year.
- Replace any smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old. Dates of manufacture can be found on the back panel of the alarm. If an alarm has a manufacture date of 2015 or older, it should be disposed of and replaced with a new device.
- Smoke alarms should be on every floor of your home, in bedrooms, and in common hallways outside of rooms.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
Ohio State Fire Marshal Media Contact:
Jarrod Clay, [email protected], 614-867-8732
The Ohio Department of Health is urging Ohioans to be aware of the risks involved with exposure to cold temperatures, including risks of overexertion and heart attack while removing snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks.
Prevent Overexertion When Clearing Snow & Ice
- Take it slow and stretch out before you begin.
- Push the snow rather than lifting.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Do not work to the point of exhaustion.
- Take breaks often.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about exercising in cold weather.
Know the Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Attack
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arms, or shoulders.
- Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
- Shortness of breath.
If you notice the symptoms of a heart attack in yourself or someone else, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Hypothermia
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people most at risk for hypothermia include older adults without adequate food, clothing, or heating; babies sleeping in cold bedrooms; people who are outdoors for long periods; and people who drink alcohol or use drugs. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include:
- Shivering.
- Exhaustion or feeling tired.
- Confusion.
- Fumbling hands.
- Memory loss.
- Slurred speech.
- Drowsiness.
- For babies, bright red or cold skin and low energy.
If you notice signs of hypothermia on yourself or someone else, seek medical attention immediately. If immediate care isn’t available, follow these guidelines:
- Get the individual into a warm room as quickly as possible.
- Remove any wet clothing.
- Warm the center of the person’s body under dry blankets. Focus on the chest, neck, head, and groin areas.
- Use warm, non-alcoholic drinks to help increase the person’s body temperature.
- After their temperature has risen, keep the person dry and wrap their body in a warm blanket, then get them medical attention as quickly as possible.
Frostbite
How quickly frostbite develops depends on both temperature and wind chill, and in certain conditions, it can even happen to skin covered by clothing. A large risk is for uncovered skin, as frostbite can happen within minutes. Early signs include redness or pain in the affected area, which can progress to skin turning white or gray-yellow, feeling firm, hard, or waxy, and becoming numb.
If you notice signs of frostbite on yourself or someone else, seek medical attention immediately. If immediate care isn’t available, follow these guidelines:
- Get the individual into a warm room as quickly as possible.
- Don’t rub or massage the frostbitten area, nor walk on feet or toes that show signs of frostbite damage, as this can increase the damage.
- Place the affected areas in warm water, not hot, if available, or warm the areas using body heat.
- Treatment for frostbite is necessary and should be treated by a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Ohio Department of Health Media Contact:
Ken Gordon, [email protected], 614-644-8562
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