Fishers braces for extreme cold, “blizzard-like conditions”

LarryInFishers.com

The latest message from the National Weather Service says people in our local area should be prepared for “blizzard-like conditions” and extreme cold. The City of Fishers has released a detailed message on how the city is preparing, and offers advice to local residents

Here is that message, as provided by the City of Fishers:

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The City of Fishers, in conjunction with Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency, has launched its weather preparedness response teams ahead of the predicted weather system in Fishers.The extent of the team’s response will be dependent on the outcomes of the weather event which has the potential to include dangerous wind gusts, rain-ice-snow precipitation, and dangerously cold temperatures.The following actions have been implemented as of noon December 22 with additional emergency response support prepared in the event the weather system causes severe outcomes:

Department of Public Works
  • Snow Fight Activated: More than sixty trucks are deployed with crews working twelve-hour shifts through the end of the storm system
  • Crews will begin treating roadways just prior to the anticipated flash freeze
  • As snow precipitation falls, crews will begin clearing roadways according to the CoF snow removal policy, beginning with primary roadways and ending with neighborhood roadways as the storm concludes
  • Information on roadway snow clearing can be found here: https://www.fishers.in.us/1489/Snow-and-Ice-Control
Fishers Fire and Emergency Services
  • Information and resources will be communicated to all Smart 911 subscribers and vulnerable populations
  • Fire Stations throughout the city are fully staffed with additional backup staffing scheduled
  • Fishers DPW will place crews with Fire Stations to accompany Emergency Services on runs to clear roadways
  • Emergency Operations Center is led by Fishers FES which will monitor the changing conditions of the weather event and assess emergency response
Fishers Police Department
  • Patrol officers are prepared for winter weather and will be on alert for hazardous driving
  • FPD will support Emergency Operations Center monitoring and response.
City of Fishers
  • City communications channels will provide up-to-date information on resources and emergency response through email, social media, and local media

Residents are asked to be prepared for the weather event, particularly the possibility of widespread power outages for an extended amount of time.

Emergency Alert Information
  • Residents are encouraged to follow the City of Fishers on social media and register with Smart 911 for the most up-to-date information.
  • Indiana 211 is a free service that connects Hoosiers with help and answers from thousands of health and human service agencies and resources right in their local communities. The website will include information on warming centers, shelters, and other cold weather resources available if residents need them.
Extreme Cold Weather Tips:
  • Limit the amount of time outdoors. Extreme cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia within 15 minutes.
  • Per City Ordinance, when the temperature is 40 degrees or lower, shelter for animals must include sufficient, dry bedding material or other means of protection from the weather that will allow the animal to retain body heat when the weather is colder than what an animal of that breed and condition can comfortably tolerate.
  • Exterior faucets and household pipes along exterior walls are at risk of freezing. Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to prevent freezing. Exterior faucets should be winterized.
Power Outage Information:
  • In the event residents experience a power outage, residents may do the following:
    • Contact your provider to report the outage
    • Monitor status of outages at poweroutage.us.
    • If you have a non-emergency issue or question, call 2-1-1.
    • If you are medically or physically vulnerable and need assistance due to power outages, call 2-1-1 or dial 9-1-1 if it is a life-threatening emergency.
  • If power outages are anticipated to occur over an extended period of time, the City of Fishers will communicate emergency resources and support via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Smart 911.
Trash Collection
  • Changes to trash or recycling collection will be determined by your provider. Contact your HOA leadership or provider for more information.