HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-06-2004-6aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 6, 2004
Action Agen a
Item No. -q
SUBJECT: Winter WeatherAwareness Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management
PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proclamation
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Eric Griffin, 968-2050
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
PURPOSE: To designate the week of December 5 through 11, 2004 as Winter Weather
Awareness Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The National Weather Service and the Governor of North Carolina have
proclaimed the week of December 5 through 11, 2004 as Winter Weather Awareness Week.
The Orange County Department of Emergency Management encourages all residents to use
this time to educate their families about safe practices indoors and outdoors when winter
weather threatens.
According to the Raleigh Office of the National Weather Service, North Carolina receives
multiple types of winter weather each year. While snow is normally the best symbol of winter
weather, its counterpart, ice, remains a dangerous hazard. Significant accumulations of
precipitate ice, in the two forms of sleet and freezing rain, can cause power outages, trees to
fall, telephone pole breakages, and hazardous roadways.
Even minor accumulations of ice on roadways can create dangerous conditions far motorists.
The deadly "black ice" is nothing more than a clear, thin sheet of ice, so clear in fact, that the
road appears wet. This phenomenon occurs frequently on bridges and overpasses.
Motoring residents are reminded to have a mechanic check their vehicles to make sure the
vehicle is ready for cold weather. All Sport Utility Vehicle drivers need to be aware that your
four wheel drive vehicle will slide on ice just as easily as a two wheel drive vehicle. Drivers of
those vehicles must resist being lulled into a false sense of security, and maintain extra
vigilance in remembering to drive safely.
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Cold weather can also increase the risk of fire in residences. Winter is the time most
homeowners use their fireplaces far the first time in a year, and sometimes rely on portable
heaters as a source of supplemental heat. Both of these heat sources are fire hazards, when
used improperly. Homeowners should have their chimneys inspected and/or cleaned each year
by a qualified professional. Residents who use space heaters should follow the manufacturer's
directions and safety instructions to reduce the risk of fire.
Winter storms are considered "deceptive killers" because most fatalities are indirectly related to
the storm. People die from various causes that are related to the winter weather, such as
vehicle collisions, heart attacks from shoveling snow, and carbon monoxide poisoning from
improper heat sources.
Many deaths during the December 2002 winter storm affecting North Carolina occurred from
the use of inappropriate alternative heating sources. Uninformed residents utilized charccal
grills and other dangerous heat sources inside their homes that resulted in lethal concentrations
of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas.
Winter weather is hazardous to pets as well as humans. Residents should ensure that their
pet(s) has access to warmth, food, and unfrozen water. When a pet drinks cold water, it
decreases their internal body temperature, just like humans. Pets need access to heat, just as
humans do. While many have warm fur coats, plunging temperatures can be dangerous to
them as well. Residents should remember to bring them indoors as necessary.
The best way to get through a winter storm safely is to be prepared. Residents should make
sure that they have ample food, water, medications, and necessary supplies at home to last at
least three days. Those residents on wells should also consider what effects a power outage
might have on well pumps.
Anyone who may have questions on how to prepare for winter storms may call Orange County
Emergency Management at 968-2050 during normal business hours for additional information.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no significant financial impact to Orange County.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
designating the week of December 5 through 11, 2004, as Winter Weather Awareness Week in
Orange County, and encourage residents to learn more about winter weather safety.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A PROCLAMATION
Winter Weather Awareness Week
December 5 through 11, 2004
WHEREAS, The National Weather Service and the Governor of North Carolina have
proclaimed the week of December 5 through 11, 2004 as Winter Weather
Awareness Week; and,
WHEREAS, Orange County frequently experiences winter weather each year; and,
WHEREAS, Most injuries and fatalities are indirectly related to a winter and associated storms,
such as heart attacks while shoveling snow, vehicle collisions, carbon monoxide
poisoning, etc.; and,
WHEREAS, Residents must use safe alternative heat sources during the winter months;
NOW THEREFORE, The Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims the week
of December 5through 11, 2004, as Winter Weather Awareness Week, and
encourages all residents to learn mare about winter weather and be aware of its
dangers, especially during the winter months.
Adopted this 6th day of December, 2004.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners