STATE OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS ACROSS NORTHERN FLORIDA TO PREPARE FOR FREEZING TEMPERATURES TONIGHT AND THURSDAY

Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents and visitors across northern portions of the state to prepare for freezing overnight temperatures through Thursday. The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning from Escambia County east to Nassau County and south to Citrus County through early Thursday morning. A Freeze Warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely for at least two hours. Freeze Warnings are likely to be issued for the same areas Thursday night as well.

“Though no Hard Freeze Warnings have been issued, this is the first widespread freeze of the season,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Now is a good opportunity for residents to review cold weather safety tips and prepare for future freezes.”

Throughout inland areas of the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend and Northeast Florida, temperatures will reach between 28 and 32 degrees with slightly warmer temperatures along the immediate coast. For locations that do not quite reach freezing tonight, low temperatures in the middle 30’s will still support areas of frost formation. These conditions can kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

Floridians should remember the "Five P's" of cold weather safety. The “5 P’s” are: Protecting People, Protecting Plants, Protecting Pets, Protecting Exposed Pipes, and Practicing Fire Safety.

The following actions are important cold weather safety measures:
• Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
• Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles, keep such devices away from all flammable materials such as curtains and furniture, and install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Indoors: Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills that produce carbon monoxide. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in your home.
• Outdoors: Stay dry and in wind-protected areas.
• Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsertinfo or join our blog at: http://flsertinfo.blogspot.com/.