Dangerously low temperatures expected through next week

Cuyahoga County, OH - The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning starting today at 7 p.m. and extending through Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. Dangerously low temperatures and wind chills are expected to persist through next week, increasing risks to health and safety. Although Cuyahoga County buildings and services will open to the public for normal operations tomorrow, January 27, residents are strongly encouraged to utilize online services to conduct County business.

“Now is the time to look out for one another, so please take the time to check in on your loved ones and neighbors,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Stay warm, stay safe, and stay connected.”

The Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to be prepared for hazardous cold weather conditions across the region. Prolonged cold exposure may increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, and impact vulnerable populations.

Residents are reminded to:

• Stay indoors during the worst part of the cold.
• Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
• Dress in layers: Wear a hat, gloves, and scarf to reduce heat loss.
• Keep a winter go-kit in your vehicle. Be prepared for dead car batteries, iced-over windshields, and broken car locks.
• Limit travel when able and drive cautiously.
• Check on elderly neighbors and those at risk.
• Bring pets inside.
• Use extreme caution around downed wires - do not touch or attempt to remove downed wires. Report downed wires to emergency services immediately.

Anyone seeking shelter should contact United Way 2-1-1 or visit the County’s Emergency Management website for information on warming centers.

Additional Resources:

• The Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services aids our senior population - Call 216-420-6700
• Office of Homeless Services
• HEAP Winter Crisis Program
• FEMA Winter Storm Guide

Cuyahoga County urges residents to follow cuyahogacounty.gov/coldweather for comprehensive cold weather resources including a map that displays warming center locations throughout the County. Residents are urged to sign up for alerts through the County’s emergency notification system, Ready Notify.