News

Stay Safe During the Extreme Cold Weather - Extended Through Wednesday

To help keep our community stay safe during the cold and winter weather, let's all take extra care, check in on each other, stay warm, and utilize the tips and resources below.

We will post notifications here on the City's website, on our Facebook page, and will send out Alerts through Alert Avon Lake. If there is an emergency and all communications are down, important information will be posted in the police department lobby at the Safety Center, 32855 Walker Road.

Important Information and Resources

Stay Safe During Winter Weather:

With temperatures dropping significantly, it's important to take prepare to stay safe and comfortable. Below are essential tips to help you navigate these conditions.

  • Limit time outdoors
  • If you must go outside, dress in layers, including a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Don't forget a hat and gloves.
  • Keep an extra eye on pets, and limit their time in the cold.
  • Check in on neighbors. The elderly, children, and those with medical conditions are more vulnerable to extreme cold.

Links to additional information on being winter ready:
Winter Weather Preparedness
Winter Safety

Preventing Hypothermia

Heating your Home Safely:

Although trending downward since the early 1980s,  fires from home heating has remained the second leading cause of home fires.

  • Never use an oven to heat your home.
  • Plug space heaters directly into the outlet. Make sure the cord is not damaged.
  • Keep objects 3 feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, and portable heaters.
  • Install a Carbon Monoxide detector, and check that it has a working battery.

Links to more tips to prevent prevent home fires:
Home Fire Safety
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics

Power Outage:

In the event of a power outage, it’s important to take special precautions, especially if your refrigerator is affected or if you rely on oxygen.

Please keep the following tips in mind:

  • Contact First Energy to report your outage. The most affected areas are prioritized.
  • Call 911 if you rely on oxygen.
  • Unplug electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
  • Go to a community location with power if cold is extreme and you can't heat your home.

Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.

  • Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
  • Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
  • Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
  • Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
  • Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Links to resources with more information what to do when the power goes out.
Winter Power Outage Information
Food Safety
First Energy Instructions

Prepare:



Being prepared is the key. Below are some tips to help you prepare for extreme winter weather.

  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • Chargers or an extra power bank
  • Emergency non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Bottled water
  • A supply of essential medicines
  • Extra blankets and sleeping bags
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency Car kit, including: jumper cables, sand or kitty litter, and keep a full tank of gas.

Below are links to resources to help you prepare.
Winter Car Kit
Prepare Winter Storm
Prevent Frozen Pipes

Finally, sign up with Alert Avon Lake to get notifications from the City of Avon Lake. If there is an emergency in the city and all communications are down, important information will be posted at the Safety Center, 32855 Walker Road.