Dear All,
In looking at the forecast for next week there is only one day we will have a high out of the teens. This is not good for people or pets when the temperature is this cold and then when you figure in the wind chill factor, it becomes even more of a danger. Also, if we get any accumulation of snow (or even a light dusting) driving and walking becomes even more treacherous. Please be safe, stay warm (and if you do need to be out dress accordingly), and remember to allow extra time and slow down when driving – as well as more distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
Below are three press releases I received. One is from Indianapolis Animal Care Services about the safety and care of our four legged friends during this type of weather, the other two are from the Mayor’s Office for everyone. Please do take time to read over this information as it could be very helpful for our safety and well being.
Take care and stay safe and warm.
Sincerely,
Janice McHenry
City-County Councillor District 6
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Press Release
For Immediate Release
December 29, 2017
Media Contact:
Kristen Lee
Public Information Officer
Indianapolis Animal Care Services
(317) 730-0824
REMINDS PET OWNERS TO KEEP ANIMALS SAFE IN COLD WEATHER
Tips to keep your pets safe and warm this winter
INDIANAPOLIS –Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) wants residents to keep in mind the effects cold temperatures have on our pets.
“This winter season, I am encouraging our community to take steps to protect the safety of all who reside in our city – even our four-legged friends,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Just as we care for our neighbors, we should be doing all we can to ensure our pets are warm, hydrated, and healthy throughout the colder months.”
Here are a few tips to keep your pets safe and warm this winter:
· It is against city ordinance 531-401 to leave animals outside when temperatures are at or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, OR if a wind chill advisory has been issued for the City.
· The best place for your pet is inside, but if kept outdoors your pet must have access to dry shelter. A structure with space to move around will help shield your animal from the cold winter air.
· Keep your pet warm and safe by using straw in outdoor shelters, not blankets and towels. Blankets and towels draw moisture and don’t provide as much insulation and warmth as straw.
· Your pets are just as susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite as you are. Bring them inside as often as you can and, when nature calls, accompany them when they venture outdoors.
· Make sure you keep water available outside and check the dish every few hours to make sure the water hasn’t frozen over. Consider investing in a heated water dish to avoid the hassle of a frozen water bowl.
· If you are concerned about the safety of an animal in your neighborhood, call the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622. For after hour emergencies please call 317-327-3811.
· If you have previously been found in violation of any ordinances, please contact FIDO at 317- 221-1314. They can assist you in making your home more suitable and safer for your pet this winter season.
You could face fines up to $200 if you fail to properly care for your pets in cold weather. Indiana winters are unpredictable, and temperatures can drop unexpectedly. Use your best judgement when caring for your pets and when it comes to keeping them warm this winter.
For additional information on Indianapolis Animal Care Services, please visit: indy.gov/acs.
Indianapolis Animal Care Services is focused on improving quality of life by protecting human and animal welfare through the proper promotion of animal stewardship in our city.
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Mayor Joe Hogsett offers tips and information as cold weather continues
Snow and below-freezing temperatures forecast through the holiday weekend
INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Joe Hogsett issued a list of safety tips today as continued cold weather demands increased caution in Indianapolis.
“The New Year’s holiday is a time for reflection and celebration, but with the cold weather expected this weekend, we must also focus on taking precautions to stay safe and warm,” said Mayor Hogsett. “Plan ahead, dress for the weather, and check on your loved ones frequently to ensure all in our city have a safe and joyous holiday weekend.”
Ahead of the New Year’s weekend, Mayor Hogsett urges residents to plan ahead, leave plenty of time for holiday travel, and prepare for extreme cold on New Year’s Eve – dress warmly and have a plan for a safe ride home as cabs and ride-sharing services may be overwhelmed. Mayor Hogsett offers the safety tips below ahead of the forecasted extreme cold.
Heating your home:
· When using a space heater, remember to keep a clear three-foot perimeter, plug the space heater directly into a wall outlet, keep pets and children away from the heater, and never leave it unattended.
· Never use a stove, oven, or candle to heat your home.
· If using a wood-burning fireplace for warmth, check to see that the flue is open before lighting the fire, use a protective screen to keep children and pets away from the flame, and never leave the fireplace unattended when in use.
· Residents who have issues with heat protection should make plans to seek alternate overnight shelter.
· Make sure smoke detectors are in working order. If you need a smoke detector, please call IFD’s Fire and Life Safety Division at 317-327-6093.
· Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including: weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a dull headache. Exit your home and call 911 immediately if symptoms are detected.
Staying safe outdoors:
· Check the weather forecast frequently and dress accordingly. In the expected extreme cold over the holiday weekend, NOAA recommends wearing three or more layers, a warm hat and face mask, gloves, waterproof boots, and an outer layer that provides protection from the wind.
· When outdoors for an extended period of time, take frequent “warm up” breaks.
· Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and seek immediate medical attention if they are detected.
Vulnerable populations:
· Residents are encouraged to check on elderly or disabled family members and neighbors.
· Indianapolis’ warming centers are open and will accept any person in need. Residents may call 211 for help finding warm shelter.
· Citizens with disabilities or those who may need medical or health-related assistance during winter weather events should call 211.
· The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, in partnership with Wheeler Mission and other local shelters and service providers, has activated the Winter Contingency for Indianapolis’ homeless population. IMPD and homeless outreach professionals are working to connect residents currently experiencing homelessness with warming kits, warm shelter, and care.
Utilities:
· Any power outages should be reported to IPL immediately by calling 317-261-8111.
· Maintain a moderate temperature in your home or leave a slow drip on faucets to keep pipes from freezing.
Travel:
· Allow for extra time.
· Know what to expect on your route and plan accordingly, checking the weather forecast frequently.
· If you start sliding, turn slightly into the skid.
· Slow down and know when it’s time to quit.
To report road issues on streets and thoroughfares, call the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4MAC or visit indy.gov/requestindy. Spot a problem on an interstate or highway? Those roadways are managed by INDOT – learn more by visiting www.in.gov/indot or report an emergency by calling 866-849-1368.
Mayor advises caution, preparedness as cold weather continues
Below-freezing temperatures expected to continue throughout the week
INDIANAPOLIS – With freezing temperatures in the forecast throughout the week the City of Indianapolis is hard at work, keeping residents safe and informed.
“During the colder months of winter, it is especially important for residents and visitors to be prepared, to have a plan, and to take the necessary steps to keep their families safe,” said Mayor Hogsett. “During this period of extreme cold, our public safety officers are working diligently, our community partners are opening their doors to those in need, and the Department of Public Works is carefully monitoring the safety of our roadways. But it takes all in our community to care for this community – I encourage residents to continue to embrace the spirit of the holiday season and ensure all of our neighbors are healthy and safe.”
During these cold weather days, Mayor Hogsett urges residents to avoid unnecessary travel and limit exposure to the outdoors. In the slightly warmer daylight hours, residents are encouraged to take the opportunity to check in on neighbors. Be aware of the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia:
Frostbite:
• Numbness
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• A white or grayish-yellow skin area
Hypothermia:
• Shivering
• Exhaustion
• Confusion, fumbling hands
• Memory loss or slurred speech
• Drowsiness
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms.
Residents are also reminded to exercise caution while driving, leave plenty of space for DPW and public safety vehicles, and remember these important winter weather tips:
• ALLOW FOR EXTRA TIME – A white Christmas and the following below-freezing weather has resulted in roads that may still have patches of ice and snow. Leave ample time when travelling to your next location – some roads may not look icy but even when salted, slick spots will remain.
• KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR TRIP AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY – If you know you need to travel through bad weather conditions, be sure to check for travel advisories and visit Indiana’s Department of Transportation website for information and alerts about your local weather, road conditions, and traffic levels. Make sure to have an emergency kit in your car that includes a phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, jumper cables, and clay cat litter for traction.
• IF YOU START SLIDING, TURN SLIGHTLY INTO THE SKID – Once your vehicle begins to slide, your tires have lost traction with the road. It may seem counterintuitive, but in order to avoid a spinout you need to turn slightly into the skid, slowly let off the gas and begin pumping the breaks. Yanking the wheel in the other direction and locking the brakes will stop your tires from turning, but you are less likely to regain traction with the road surface.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, in partnership with Wheeler Mission and other local shelters and service providers, has activated the Winter Contingency for Indianapolis’ homeless population. IMPD and homeless outreach professionals are working to connect residents currently experiencing homelessness with warm shelter and care throughout the winter months.
Residents in need of assistance during these colder months are encouraged to contact Connect2Help by calling 211 or 317-926-HELP, or visiting connect2help.org online. Connect2Help can assist with:
• Citizens with disabilities or those who may need medical or health-related assistance
• Connecting those in need with warm shelter
• Residents in need of financial assistance with energy bills
If residents experience a power outage during this period of extreme cold, they should report it to IPL immediately by calling 317-261-8111.
Aliya Wishner
Deputy Communications Director
Office of Mayor Joe Hogsett – City of Indianapolis
aliya.wishner@indy.gov | C: (317) 995-7645
