Cold Weather Advisory!

Lee County Emergency Management suggests precautions for two nights of cold temperatures. Cold temperatures are expected tonight.

Tonight: The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Watch for late Thursday night into Friday morning. Temperatures could be at or below 32 degrees for more than two hours.

Lee County Emergency Management suggests the following cold weather precautions:

• Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside. They produce deadly carbon monoxide.

• Be careful with space heaters. Keep them away from flammable items such as curtains and upholstery. Inspect the heater and electrical cord before use. Do not use extension cords or heaters with defective power cords.

• Make sure smoke detectors are working.

• Check on neighbors, friends and relatives. The elderly and children are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures.

• Stay indoors or dress warmly, in layers. Wear a hat if outside.

• Bring pets inside.

• Cover outdoor plants and bring potted plants indoors.

• Protect wells and outdoor plumbing from freezing.

Homeless Outreach 

The following cold weather shelters will be open tonight:

The Salvation Army

2476 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers    Registration begins at 7 p.m.

Fort Myers Rescue Mission

6900 Mission Lane, Fort Myers     Must be in Chapel before 7 p.m.

Community Cooperative will have outreach teams at the locations below tonight  from 6:30p-7:30p distributing hot chocolate and blankets.

 Fort Myers

1. Centennial Park, Large Pavilion

2. The Salvation Army, 2400 Edison Ave

3. Community Cooperative, 3429 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd

4. East Fort Myers United Way House, 4040 Palm Beach Blvd

5. Lee County Health Department, 83 Pondella Road,

6. Lion’s Park, 2550 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Cape Coral

1. Kings Way Christian Center, 2016 Kismet Pkwy E

2. Community Cooperative, 1105 Cultural Park Blvd

Fort Myers Beach

1. God’s Table at Chapel By The Sea, 100 Chapel St

DANGER - CARBON MONOXIDE 

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a year round threat, however as temperatures drop, the potential for CO poisonings rise. CO is a highly poisonous gas produced by burning fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, kerosene, charcoal, and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. The risk of illness or death increases with the level of CO in the air and the amount of time exposed. Dangerous CO levels can result when home appliances are not properly maintained or when used incorrectly.

“Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can silently cause illness and death within minutes of exposure,” said Dr. Kendra Goff, State Toxicologist for the Florida Department of Health. “It is invisible, tasteless, odorless and non-irritating, which is why taking precautions is vital and having sufficient working CO alarms in your home is critical. Proper use of generators, portable space heaters or gas grills can protect you and your family from the potential tragedy of an accidental poisoning.”

Since symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think CO poisoning is the cause. The common signs and symptoms include headache, nausea, weakness, abdominal discomfort/pain, dizziness, and confusion. Other signs and symptoms may include blurred vision, numbness and tingling, ataxia (loss or lack of muscular coordination), irritability, agitation, chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Anyone who suspects symptoms of CO poisoning should go outside the home or building without delay and seek prompt medical attention. If a person has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 for emergency medical assistance immediately from a safer location such as outside or from a neighbor's home. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with heart conditions are most vulnerable.

Tips to help prevent CO poisoning:

• Never use a gas stove or oven to heat the home.
• Never burn charcoal inside a house, garage, vehicle, or tent, including in a fireplace.
• Avoid using unvented gas, propane, or kerosene heaters in enclosed spaces, especially sleeping areas.
• Install and use fuel-burning appliances according to manufacturer instructions, the Florida Building Code, and the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
• Inspect the exhaust system of each fuel burning appliance every year, including chimneys, flues, and vents. Check for blockage, holes, and disconnections.
• Have fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced annually by a licensed contractor.
• Never leave an automobile running in a garage, even with the garage door open.