[New] This winter, be smart and stay safe

ROSLYN RYAN Richmond Suburban News

Ask me about the weather over the past few weeks, and I’ll be happy to offer a few descriptive phrases: Desperately cold. Insanely cold. Absurdly, ridiculously, mind-numbingly, lip-tinglingly, frozen-finger flippin’ cold. Yes, yes I know – the cold around here, despite dipping down into the single digits over the Christmas holiday, seemed like small potatoes compared to the weather that some places around the country were facing. We didn’t have to put up with driving snow or snarled traffic, and, as of yet, we have been spared the worst winter has to offer. Some of us may even, at least furtively, have begun looking ahead to those few welcome signs of spring.

Unfortunately, for those of us who are already dreaming of crocuses, winter is almost certainly not done with us. And even if, by the grace of God, we manage to make it to the month of May without a true winter wallop, there are still a number of precautions that will ensure that both people and pets stay safe in the cold.

Residents are strongly advised to stay off frozen ponds and parents are urged to remind their children about the dangers of frozen water. Dog owners should also be careful not throw sticks or balls onto the ice. Should a dog go onto the ice and get into difficulty, don’t attempt to carry out a rescue. If a pet or person gets in trouble on the ice on a frozen pond or lake, call 911 immediately.

A few more tips to bear in mind, courtesy of the Red Cross:

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„ All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and things that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, carpets or near bedding or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets — never into an extension cord. they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.

„ Be careful when tackling strenuous tasks like shoveling snow in cold temperatures.

„ Stay off the roads whenever possible during inclement weather, and use extreme caution when traveling in snowy or icy conditions.

JIM RIDOLPHI Contributing Columnist

„ Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

„ Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure

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Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

It would be difficult to list the societal and cultural changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, but few would argue our lives were changed permanently from months of isolation, limited activities and untold hours alone in our homes.

Although I have no confirming information, I suspect that one of the most obvious impacts was on the takeout food service. It seems ordering online and picking up food to go has become more of the rule than the exception, and restaurants have adjusted menus to accommodate customers who prefer to gather their food and enjoy it in the comfort of their homes.

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As Powhatan residents have seen time and time again, our local fire-rescue personal are unmatched in their dedication and will respond to calls for help no matter the time of day or night and regardless of the weather. Countless lives have been saved thanks to their commitment to serving Powhatan County. That said, the less we see of them at work the better. So please stay smart, stay warm and staff safe.

Call 804-643-4414, ext. 3 Email: paidnotices@timesdispatch.com Deadline is noon Friday for the following week’s issue.

And cross your fingers for an early spring.

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