Leon County Encourages Cold Weather Preparedness Ahead of Arctic Air

Leon County will experience some of the coldest temperatures of the winter season this week as a strong arctic front impacts the region. Residents are urged to take steps now to protect themselves, their homes, and their pets—especially during the coldest period overnight Monday into Tuesday.

Latest Forecast and Alerts (National Weather Service – Tallahassee)
Cold impacts expected:

• Wind chills in the single digits to teens are expected, with the coldest conditions Monday night through Tuesday morning.
• Overnight lows this week are expected to remain cold, with the potential for additional freezing temperatures later in the week.

• Extreme Cold Warning: In effect from 9:00 PM EST Monday (Jan. 26) until 11:00 AM EST Tuesday (Jan. 27). Wind chills 9°–15°F expected.
• Freeze Warning: In effect from 9:00 PM EST Monday (Jan. 26) until 11:00 AM EST Tuesday (Jan. 27). Temperatures 17°–25°F expected (hard freeze possible).

1. Limit time outdoors. If you must go outside, wear multiple layers and cover exposed skin (hat, gloves, scarf/face covering). 
2. Check on others. Call or visit elderly neighbors, people with medical needs, and anyone without dependable heat. 
3. Heat safely. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn and never leave them unattended. Do not use ovens or stovetops to heat your home. 
4. Prevent carbon monoxide exposure. Never use generators, charcoal grills, or gas grills inside homes, garages, or enclosed areas. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have working batteries. 

1. Protect exposed pipes and outdoor faucets. Wrap, drain, or cover outdoor plumbing.
2. Let faucets drip overnight (especially those on exterior walls) and open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate.
3. Know your shutoff valve location in case a pipe bursts.

1. Bring potted plants indoors if possible.
2. Cover outdoor plants with cloth or blankets (avoid plastic touching leaves) and remove coverings during the day once temperatures rise.

1. Bring pets indoors as much as possible. If pets must stay outside, provide a dry, draft-free shelter with warm bedding.
2. Ensure access to unfrozen water and adequate food—animals burn more energy staying warm. 
3. Limit outdoor exposure and check paws/fur after time outside.

• Visit LeonReady.com – The Leon Ready website is a hub of resources to help you, your family, and your neighborhood prepare for disasters. There are a variety of resources available, like the County’s Disaster Survival Guide, a full list of disaster supplies for your disaster bucket, and so much more, to increase your readiness. 
• Download the Leon County Citizens Connect Mobile App – The Citizens Connect mobile app puts timely emergency notifications at your fingertips through push notifications on your smartphone or other device. Be the first to know about shelter locations, road closures and service changes by downloading the application on the Apple and Google Play stores. 
• Visit the Leon County Emergency Information Portal – Hosting the same information as the Citizens Connect app, the Emergency Information Portal can be accessed on a desktop or a mobile browser by visiting www.LeonCountyFL.gov/ei.
• Tune into iHeartRadio – Residents can listen to iHeartRadio for updates on the following stations: WFLA-FM 100.7, WFLF-FM 94.5, WTNT 94.9, KISS-FM 107.1, X-FM101.5, and The Beat-FM 105.3. 
• Listen to 88.9 WFSU-FM – Residents can tune in to 88.9 FM for the most up-to-date information from local public safety officials. Featuring to-the-minute reporting, WFSU, Leon County and the City of Tallahassee remain committed to getting information out on the radio as soon as possible. 
• Call 2-1-1 Big Bend – If you need community information, services and support any day of the year, Big Bend 2-1-1 is reachable by dialing either 2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333. 
• Call 850-606-3700 with questions – Leon County Emergency Management staff is available to answer questions about how you should prepare, act and recover. 
• For updates on City of Tallahassee Utilities and other City services, visit Talgov.com. 

For more information, please contact Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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