Hard Freeze on the way - Notice form State Meteorologist

[Rev. Mr. Marcus Hepburn]

FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
CONTACT: John Cherry

February 4,
2009
(850) 519-2177



SIGNIFICANT FREEZES FORECAST NEARLY STATEWIDE

~ Wind Chill Warnings in Effect Tonight for all of East Central
Florida and the Treasure Coast ~

TALLAHASSEE - State emergency management and fire officials are
urging residents throughout the Sunshine State to practice the “Five
P’s” of cold weather safety as the latest arctic blast brings the
coldest temperatures of the winter to the Florida peninsula during the
next two nights.

A frigid and exceptionally dry air mass has funneled into the state
behind an arctic cold front. The high pressure center that is driving
this frigid air mass southward will remain situated over the Tennessee
River Valley tonight. This feature will keep northwesterly winds in
the 10-15 mph range through Thursday morning across much of the
peninsula. These winds in combination with below freezing
temperatures will produce wind chills in the teens as far south as
Lake Okeechobee. Wind chill warnings have been issued for all of east
central Florida and the Treasure coast through Thursday morning. Hard
freeze warnings have been posted into interior south and southwest
Florida tonight, including interior Collier and Palm Beach counties.
Freeze warnings are in effect for all of Florida except for coastal
Miami-Dade County and the Keys.

The polar high pressure center will settle over north Florida on
Thursday evening. This will allow winds to diminish nearly statewide,
setting the stage for heavy frost formation on Friday morning. A hard
freeze and near record low temperatures are again likely for most
interior sections of the peninsula.

Please remember to practice the "5 P's of cold weather safety" this
week:

Protect People
Protect Pets
Protect Plants
Protect Exposed Pipes
Practice Fire Safety

“This air mass may bring even colder temperatures than the state
experienced in late January,” said State Meteorologist Ben Nelson.
“Many residents and businesses will be using space heaters or
fireplaces and we are urging them to do so safely.”

Residents should check the operation of their smoke alarms and carbon
monoxide detectors, making sure to replace the old batteries.
Electrical extension cords need to be in proper condition and correct
rating for the heater. Persons should not overload wall plugs and
individual circuits with multiple appliances.


Some important safety tips to keep in mind from the Division of State
Fire Marshal:



Ø Have gas heaters and other gas appliances checked for leaks or
damage.

Ø Check and clean air conditioners for any dust that could spark
a fire when turned on for the first time.

Ø Keep space heaters at least three feet away from furniture,
walls and drapes.

Ø Clean chimneys regularly and do not burn anything in the
fireplace other than firewood.

Ø Keep children and pets away from any flame or fire source.

Ø Review and practice your family’s fire escape plan.



You can find more seasonal fire safety tips on the State Fire
Marshal’s web site at www.fldfs.com/sfm where you would select Fire
Safety Information index.



For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management
and to GET A PLAN, go to: www.Floridadisaster.org



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John M. Cherry III

External Affairs Director

Florida Division of Emergency Management

Office: (850) 413-9839

Mobile: (850) 519-2177

www.FloridaDisaster.org