Louisiana Governor, Jeff Landry, has issued a State of Emergency due to the severe winter weather conditions Louisiana is expected to experience between Sunday and Wednesday.
The governor’s office said, according to the National Weather Service, along with freezing temperatures, a wintry mix is possible and wind chills from the teens to near freezing are expected in central and north Louisiana.
“We are encouraging everyone to prepare for these conditions and heed the advice of your local officials. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) stands ready to support our local emergency partners with any resources needed beyond their capabilities. Road crews are on standby in an attempt to keep our roads open.” – Gov. Jeff Landry
For information on road conditions and possible closures, click here.
A unusually large polar vortex will bring below freezing temperatures to Jackson Parish on multiple days during the coming week, including a forecasted low of around 10-15 degrees on Monday.
This projected hard freeze warrants a review of precautions citizens should take to protect themselves and their property.
BE AWARE! BE PREPARED!
When the temperature drops below freezing, health problems and injuries, including hypothermia, frostbite, and falls on icy surfaces are possible as wells as damage to property. Precautions need to be taken.
Hypothermia – This occurs when a body’s temperature drops to a dangerous level. With older people, check for cold skin that is pale and accompanied by confusion, a strong desire to sleep, problems walking and slowed breathing or heart rate. The best way to prevent hypothermia is to simply stay inside during very cold weather. If that is not possible, limit exposure by only engaging in outdoor tasks that are absolutely necessary.
Frostbite – This occurs when a a person’s flesh becomes frozen or very nearly so, and even mild cases can do permanent damage to the affected body part. Frostbite is most likely to occur on body parts farthest away from the heart, such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. In severe cases, frostbite can result in loss of limbs. Symptoms include the skin turning a dark red or yellow color. Preventing frostbite simply requires keeping all vulnerable body parts dry and covered with gloves, warm caps that cover the ears and cold weather footwear.
Falls – It is easy for people to slip and fall on icy surfaces. To minimize the risk of falls during cold weather, make sure steps and walkways are clear of ice before walking on them. Do not trust your eyes to recognize an icy surface; a thin layer of ice may not be visible. Physically check walking surfaces for ice. A light sprinkling of salt on a walkway can reduce the chance of ice accumulation. Footwear with non-skid soles is helpful. For people who use canes, be sure the tip is covered with a non-slip rubber cap.
Preventing frozen pipes – Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets are vulnerable, as are pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation. To prevent pipes from freezing, insulate all vulnerable pipes and faucets with weather-resistant material, including insulating foam tubing, electric heat tape for an extended deep freeze, rags, paper, trash bags or plastic foam. Before temperatures drop below freezing, open the faucet furthest from the main valve slightly so a thin stream of water is flowing. It is not necessary to open multiple faucets.
