Extremely cold weather is on its way tonight as a mass of Arctic air makes its way through the region.  Local forecasts call for temperatures at or below 0° for the next 48 hours. Wind chills are expected to dive as low as -35°. Here are some tips we would like to share to help keep you safe.

  1. Frozen Pipes – Water expands as it freezes and can cause significant damage. Outside hose bibs can be particularly susceptible. If you have a hose bib shut-off valve, be sure it is closed and that your exterior valve is open. Water supply lines that run in unheated interior areas or against exterior walls with little or no insulation can also be damaged in extreme cold so take precaution by allowing heat to reach these areas. Read more.
  2. Broken Water Mains – There is always a possibility of a broken water main with frigid temperatures. Breaks can last from several hours to several days so be sure to have an adequate supply of drinking water on hand, just in case. Water service in Mentor is provided by Aqua Ohio. If a break were to occur, an Aqua Ohio representative will go door-to-door to notify you of the status.
  3. Space Heaters – Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. If using a space heater, be sure to follow proper safety precautions.
  4. Hypothermia – With air temperatures this cold, it can take a matter of minutes for hypothermia and frostbite to set in. Don’t go out unless you absolutely have to and limit your time outdoors. Be sure to wear layers of warm clothing. Please keep an eye out for your neighbors, especially the elderly and children.
  5. Watch Your Pets – Keep your pets inside. If they have to go out, keep an eye on them and limit their exposure to the cold.
  6. Slick Roadways – The ability of salt to melt snow and ice decreases dramatically once the temperature gets below 10°. Roadways may be slick even if they look dry. Stay off the roads if it all possible.
  7. Power Outages – If a power outage occurs, you can report or check on the status of the outage at the First Energy 24/7 Power Center or by calling 888-544-4877.
  8. Keep an Emergency Supply Kit – It’s always a good idea to gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. Create an emergency supply kit for your car too. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
  9. Generators – If you lose power and have a generator, be sure to use it outside only.
  10. Warming Center – If a prolonged power outage were to occur, the Mentor Senior Center is a designated warming and charging center for Lake County residents. We will advise residents if an emergency is declared.
  11. Emergency Alerts – Follow the National Weather Service or your favorite local news station to stay up to date on weather conditions. Follow the City of Mentor by downloading our free phone app for emergency alerts and road closures. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
  12. We’re Open – City offices will be open from 8 AM through 5 PM. You can reach us at (440) 255-1100 if you have any questions or concerns regarding city services. Please DO NOT call 911 unless you are having an emergency. You can also contact us via email or through social media. Please be advised that email and social media accounts are NOT monitored 24/7.

Temperatures should become seasonable again on Thursday, please stay inside if you can.