By Jennifer Taylor
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 11:29 p.m.
Read more: Local, Weather
TOLEDO, OHIO -- The big freeze sets in. Temperatures plunge to dangerous levels, and blowing snow is creating more problems. Single digit temps combined with sub-zero wind chills have created the coldest conditions we’ve had this year.
“Oh it’s frigid. It’s frigid. Why do we live here?” says Dana Wolfe, a Toledo resident.
The fact is we do live here. We know it snows. We know it’s cold. Yet, too many of us aren’t prepared to safely venture out in these conditions.
"I'm not really prepared for the cold. I've got rain ponchos if I have to work on the car in wet weather. I'm not prepared now that you mention it, kinda makes you think,” says Randy Thackerm, another Toledo resident.
Running a quick errand may not seem like reason enough to bundle up. Considering how quickly an accident can happen, you never know just how long you may be out in the cold.
“My mom and my brother, I don't think they really got that much in the car to stay warm,” says Toledoan Deonah Green.
Blankets, hand warmers, extra clothes, even an emergency kit. These are quick, inexpensive, potential lifesavers every car should contain.
"It's important to keep with you extra set of gloves, maybe some blankets, and bottles of water. I definitely keep bottles of water in my car,” says Wolfe.
This arctic blast has even prompted the Finkbeiner administration to issue a warning to residents, especially the elderly. Toledoans are urged to stay indoors, don’t shovel or lift in the cold air, don’t travel unless you must, and to drive with extreme caution.
The sub-zero temps are expected to last for the next few days. Now is the time to prepare yourself, just in case the unexpected does happen.
