County Offers Assistance During Winter Storm

The Effingham County Health Department and Effingham County Emergency Management urges residents to take precautions during this winter storm event.

Travel will likely be extremely hazardous. Road crews will be working hard to keep roads passable for emergency vehicles. Citizens are encouraged to avoid travel if possible and shelter in place until roads are cleared and severe weather conditions have passed.

Residents should take precautions if they must go outside. In order to reduce exposure and possible frostbite, cover all exposed parts of the body. Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure of the skin and can occur in as little as 30 minutes. The symptoms of frostbite are numbness and white or pale appearance to the skin. Frostbite can permanently damage the skin. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition brought on when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees. Residents should avoid going outside if possible, and if not, limit their exposure time to severe cold. Residents are also encouraged to make sure pets have access to shelter.

Due to the severity of this storm, power outages throughout the county may occur. Effingham County residents who need emergency warming during this weather emergency may contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s office at 217-342-2101, and they will be put in contact with warming center resources.