Dubois County Emergency Management issues cold weather warning

The Dubois County Emergency Management Agency issued a warning and reminder to everyone concerning he brutally cold temperatures and weather expected to hit the area during the weekend.

The National Weather Service has indicated a winter storm will be arriving late this weekend bringing with it cold temperatures not felt here for years.

The system is expected to arrive Saturday night and Sunday with snow, or rain changing to snow, and will be followed by the arrival of arctic cold temperatures on Sunday night and Monday.

This system may produce significant snowfall but it is too early to say for sure at this time. Temperatures, however, are forecast to drop below freezing Sunday night and remain there for several days.

Monday and Tuesday are expected to be the coldest days of the week with temperatures only making it into the single digits during the day with low temperatures near zero degrees or below. Wind during this time may take wind chill readings as low as minus 10 to minus 20 degrees at times.

Now is the time to prepare for the cold winter weather which will be arriving this weekend barring any major changes to the National Weather Service’s forecast.

Residents are advised to take the following steps.

? Insure your home emergency supply kit is adequately stocked and includes food and water along with first aid supplies.

? Insure water pipes are adequately insulated to prevent freezing.

? Insure your vehicle is adequately winterized and keep a full tank of fuel. Minimize travel if possible and if you must go out, let someone know your route and your expected time of arrival.

? Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle including blankets, booster cables, emergency flares, a cell phone and charger for vehicle use, extra clothing, including boots, hats, and gloves, bottled water, high-energy foods, a flashlight, extra batteries, and a first aid kit.

? If you must go outdoors dress appropriately in layers and wear a hat and gloves. Frostbite and hypothermia are possible if precautions are not taken.