City Crews Continue Snow and Ice Patrol This Weekend

The city of Toledo will continue to be hit with dangerously cold temperatures and possibly snow this weekend or Monday. The temperature could drop to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.

The city’s Streets, Bridges, and Harbor employees will be working through the weekend to treat roads or assist with any water main breaks.

Streets, Bridges, and Harbor will have a full snow and ice crew on roads beginning 5 p.m. Sunday to start treating routes as needed.

The city of Toledo encourages all property owners to help shovel sidewalks - both their own and for neighbors who may be in need.

Residents are encouraged to call 419-936-2020 to report a water main break.

Residents are also reminded it is especially important to make sure homes are heated safely this time of year. The National Fire Prevention Association says half of home heating fires occur during the months of December, January, and February. Reduce the risk of winter fire hazards. Never use an oven to heat your home. Space heaters bring fire hazards to clothing, furniture, curtains, and other household items. Turn off portable heaters before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Plug space heaters directly into an electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip. Plug only one space heater into an electrical outlet at one time. Use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters. Use space heaters with an automatic shut-off feature. Keep children at least three feet away from portable space heaters.

Install wood stoves according to manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional complete the installation. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from your fireplace or wood stove. Establish a three-foot “kid-free zone” around any open fires. Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional. Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Screens should be metal or heat-tempered glass.

Dispose of ashes from fireplaces or wood burning stoves in a covered metal container. Make sure ashes have completely cooled before putting them in the container. Keep the container ten feet away from your home and nearby structures.

Test smoke alarms at least once a month to make sure they are in working order. Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.