Connect Bridgeport Community: In Face of Coming Severe Weather, Bridgeport Emergency Services Offers Info., Tips, Resources

In Face of Coming Severe Weather, Bridgeport Emergency Services Offers Info., Tips, Resources

By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on March 03, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

Received from Bridgeport Emergency Services Department:

In the next few days, the area is expected to be hit with a mix of rain, sleet and snow.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch in effect for Harrison County from 7 p.m. today through 7 a.m. Thursday March 5.

The National Weather Service has also issued a winter storm watch in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday March 4 through 7 p.m. Thurs., March 5.

Please take appropriate measures to keep you and your family safe:

If possible, limit travel;
Between possible flooding and the wet heavy snow that is expected, power outages are possible and could be for an extended period of time. If you lose power, make sure you report your power outage to Mon Power by calling 888-544-4877;
In case of emergency, please dial 911;
Please be prepared with food and water and have a plan for an alternative heating source;
Remember to check on friends, family and neighbors.

Stay informed on the latest details by visiting one of the following:

Bridgeport Department of Emergency Services Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/EmergencyManagementBridgeportWv

or sign up for NIXLE alerts www.nixle.com and get the latest delivered right to your email or text.

The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling;
A foot of water will float many vehicles;
Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups;
Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped;
Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way;
Do not try to take short cuts. They may be blocked. Stick to designated evacuation routes;
Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

The following are important points to remember during a winter storm:

Make sure you have a supply of food, water and any medications for your household;
Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle;
Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water;
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal¬ burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Keep these devices at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents;
The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.

Laura Pysz

Emergency Management Coordinator

City of Bridgeport