WINTER SAFETY TIPS
Staying Prepared During the Storm
Winter storms in Ohio are nothing new, and most residents know the drill. Still, a little preparation goes a long way. The goal isn’t to panic—it’s simply to stay safe, stay warm, and stay aware. The following sections break down key safety considerations in a clear, level‑headed way.
Safe Driving Tips
Road conditions can change quickly during winter weather, even when snowfall seems light. A few steady habits make a big difference.
- Slow down and increase following distance; stopping takes longer on snow and ice.
- Accelerate and brake gently to avoid skidding.
- Keep headlights on for visibility, even during the day.
- Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof before driving.
- Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads.
- If you start to skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze‑up.
- Check tire tread and pressure regularly; cold weather lowers PSI.
What to Keep in Your Car in Case You’re Stranded
A well‑stocked vehicle can turn an unexpected delay into a manageable situation.
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Extra gloves, hats, and warm layers
- Ice scraper and small shovel
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Bottled water and non‑perishable snacks
- Sand, cat litter, or traction mats for stuck tires
- Jumper cables
- First‑aid kit
- Reflective triangles or flares
- A small bag of essential medications if you rely on them
Bringing Pets Indoors
Animals feel the cold just as intensely as humans—sometimes more.
- Bring pets inside during freezing temperatures; even short exposure can be dangerous.
- Limit outdoor time for bathroom breaks and walks.
- Wipe paws after being outside to remove ice, salt, and chemicals.
- Provide warm bedding away from drafts.
- If you care for outdoor animals, offer insulated shelters with straw (not blankets) and unfrozen water.
Shoveling Safety—Especially for Older Adults and Those With Heart Conditions
Shoveling snow is more strenuous than many people realize. Cold temperatures and sudden exertion can strain the heart.
- Take frequent breaks and pace yourself.
- Push snow rather than lifting when possible.
- Use a smaller shovel to reduce strain.
- Stay hydrated—cold weather can mask dehydration.
- Avoid shoveling right after waking up, when the heart is under more stress.
- If you have a heart condition or are at higher risk, consider asking for help or using a snowblower instead.
- Stop immediately if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Power Outage Best Practices
Losing power in winter is inconvenient, but manageable with preparation.
- Keep flashlights and batteries in an easy‑to‑reach spot.
- Use battery‑powered lights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to preserve food.
- Unplug electronics to protect them from surges when power returns.
- Layer clothing and use blankets to stay warm.
- If using a generator, operate it outside only, far from windows and doors, to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Charge phones and power banks ahead of the storm.
- Know where your local warming centers are located in case indoor temperatures drop too low.
COUNTY SNOW EMERGENCY DEFINITIONS
Level 1 Snow Alert
Roadways are hazardous, drive cautiously
Level 2 Snow Advisory
Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow, roadways are also icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roadways. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work.
Level 3 Snow Emergency
All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be out driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roadways without just cause may subject themselves to arrest. (Excludes employees reporting to and from work or for emergency situations.)
From The National Weather Service:
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10AM MONDAY...
* Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 8 and 11 inches
* Travel will be very difficult at times due to slippery road conditions and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.
* Snow will spread into the region overnight and peak in intensity during the day Sunday. The snow will gradually taper off late Sunday night into Monday. Sub-zero wind chills are expected tonight into Sunday morning, and again Sunday night into Monday morning.
Warming Center Information
Warming Center Locations
- Daytime Warming Center: Arc Empowerment Center, 378 Park Ave E, Mansfield, OH 44903. Open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Overnight Warming Center: First United Methodist Church, 19 N Diamond St, Mansfield, OH 44902. Open 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM (typically active when temperatures are 20 degrees or below).
-The Salvation Army Kroc Center: 527 E Liberty Street in Ashland, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
-Trinity Lutheran Church: 508 Center Street in Ashland open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m, The church will be open on Saturday but will be closed on Sunday
-Savannah Volunteer Fire Company: is open as a warming center during its regularly staffed office hours, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The fire station may open as a warming center on Sunday, depending on the weather.
These centers are volunteer-run and operate day-to-day. They are currently planned to remain open through the weekend, with a reassessment to follow. We also recommend using public spaces like libraries and The Ontario Center as daytime warming options.
Volunteers are needed! Those interested in volunteering can contact Arc Empowerment or Peggy Lewis Powers (overnight center).
CITY AND COUNTY UPDATES
Ontario
Governor DeWine Issues Proclamation
Declaring State of Emergency in Ohio
- Issued: January 24, 2026
- Reason: Expected severe impacts from Winter Storm Fern, including 8–12 inches of snow and dangerously low temperatures.
- Actions Authorized:
- Mobilization of state agencies, including the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Ohio Department of Transportation.
- Suspension of standard purchasing rules to rapidly acquire emergency supplies.
- Direction for agencies to support local communities as conditions worsen.
- Governor’s Public Message: Residents were urged to stay home unless absolutely necessary due to treacherous road conditions and potential delays in emergency response.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation today proactively declaring a state of emergency due to the damaging and dangerous conditions Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring to Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm could drop up to 12 inches of snow in parts of the state this weekend. Frigid temperatures are also expected before, during, and after the storm.
The proclamation documents Governor DeWine's directive on Friday that state agencies, including the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Ohio Department of Transportation, provide additional resources and support to local communities as needed.
The proclamation also directs the Ohio Department of Administrative Services to suspend normal state purchasing requirements to procure any necessary resources or supplies to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Ohioans.
"I continue to encourage everyone to stay home this weekend unless it's absolutely necessary to be out," said Governor DeWine. "We're expecting the roads to be treacherous in some places, and if you crash, first responders may not be able to get to you quickly."
According to the National Weather Service, the storm could drop up to 12 inches of snow in parts of the state this weekend. Frigid temperatures are also expected before, during, and after the storm.
The proclamation documents Governor DeWine's directive on Friday that state agencies, including the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Ohio Department of Transportation, provide additional resources and support to local communities as needed.
The proclamation also directs the Ohio Department of Administrative Services to suspend normal state purchasing requirements to procure any necessary resources or supplies to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Ohioans.
"I continue to encourage everyone to stay home this weekend unless it's absolutely necessary to be out," said Governor DeWine. "We're expecting the roads to be treacherous in some places, and if you crash, first responders may not be able to get to you quickly."
