News from BG: February 10, 2021
EXTREME COLD REMINDERS
With upcoming temperatures expected to be near or below zero, City residents are encouraged to read through the following tips to stay safe and protect their property.

Stay Safe: 
Be sure to check your carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries regularly. If you are using space heaters, be sure to use them on a hard, level surface away from flammables, and make sure that they are plugged directly into an outlet-not a power strip. Do not use stoves, ovens or grills for heat. 

If you can, stay indoors as frostbite can develop quickly in these extreme temperatures. If you must venture out, be sure to bundle up and make sure your vehicle has at least a half tank of fuel. Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, and be sure to bring pets indoors.
 
Protect your Property: 
Extreme cold temperatures cause concerns for frozen water pipes. Taking the time now to insulate or apply heat tape to water pipes can help prevent this issue... MORE
SNOW STREETS & SNOW EMERGENCIES
Snow streets are designated throughout Bowling Green and are marked with blue and white signs. Vehicles parked on a snow street must be removed within 2 hours after a Snow Emergency is declared. If a Snow Emergency is declared overnight, vehicles must be moved by 9AM. Snow Emergencies are typically called for when the City receives 2"+ of snow. Vehicles parked in violation of snow regulations are subject to towing at the owner's expense and/or a citation.....MORE

SNOW EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

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LOCAL NEWS SOURCES
Fire Division
Space Heater Safety Tips

When the cold weather arrives, so too does the portable heating equipment, pulled out of the garage or closet and fired up to keep us warm. While portable heaters can help ward off the chilly nights, they also pose a serious fire danger.

Heating equipment is a leading cause of fires in U.S. homes.  According to the NFPA, fire departments responded to approximately 52,000 fires involving heating equipment each year. Further, these fires resulted in annual losses of 490 civilian deaths and 1,400 civilian injuries. 

So, how can we stay warm without creating a fire hazard?

The NFPA offers these tips for safe space heater use:
  • Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.
  • Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people.
  • Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
  • Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
  • Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.
  • Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic.
  • Never block an exit.
  • Keep children away from the space heater.
  • Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet.
  • Never use an extension cord.
  • Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.

If your space heater catches fire, call 911 immediately. If possible, close the door to the room where the space heater is located before exiting the building.
Delayed Refuse/Recycling
Collection - Week of Feb. 15

In observance of the Presidents' Day holiday, all non-24 hour City facilities will be closed on Monday, February 15.

As a result, refuse and recycling collection will be delayed by one day:

Monday's route will be collected on Tuesday.

Tuesday's route will be collected on Wednesday.

Wednesday's route will be collected on Thursday.

Thursday's route will be collected on Friday.

Questions about this schedule may be directed to Public Works at 419-354-6227.

Never miss a "trash day" again! Download the Recycle Coach App to receive a custom calendar and reminder notifications for special collections.

Visit the Recycle Coach web page for more details.
Fire Division Ice Safety
Reminders
 
One of the most important ice safety tips is following ice thickness guidelines. While most people know intuitively that thin ice can be extremely dangerous, fewer may know that white ice or "snow ice" is only about half as strong as new clear ice. Follow the ice thickness recommendations below to maximize safety:
 
  • 2" or less - STAY OFF!
  • 4" - Ice fishing or other activities on foot
  • 5" - Snowmobile or ATV
  • 8" - 12" - Car or small pickup
  • 12" - 15" - Medium truck

Note: These guidelines are for new, clear solid ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe. Double the above thickness guidelines when traveling on white ice to ensure ice safety.
 
New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.

Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.

Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice outside river bends is usually weaker due to the under-mining effects of the faster current.

The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.

Schools of fish or flocks of waterfowl can also adversely affect the relative safety of ice. The movement of fish can bring warm water up from the bottom of the lake. In the past, this has opened holes in the ice causing snowmobiles and cars to break through...MORE
WEEKLY UPDATE
COVID-19 Vaccines:
 
  • COVID-19 vaccines continue to be in short supply everywhere.
  • Wood County Health Department and its partners are working together to ensure that all people who are currently eligible have opportunities to be vaccinated.
  • Wood County has distributed 100 percent of the doses it’s received within one week, each week since Ohio’s Phase 1B began.

  • We are committed to distributing vaccines as quickly as we receive them, and we are ready for the time when supply increases.
  • WCHD appointments may be limited during February as school personnel are vaccinated and we perform targeted outreach to vulnerable people who are at the greatest risk for severe illness.
  • Other providers in Wood County will continue to offer appointments to eligible individuals in the general public.

  • Some local providers, like Mercy Health and Wood County Hospital, are making their appointments available starting at noon on Fridays.

  • Others, including pharmacies, may handle scheduling and registration differently.
  • Get contact information for vaccine providers, and what we know about how they schedule appointments, by clicking HERE
  • We continue to appreciate the widespread interest in being vaccinated and recognize the frustration related to having fewer vaccines needed to serve everyone who wants to be vaccinated.

  • We’re working to expand our communication with new ways for people to get information about vaccine availability.
  • Later this week, we’ll launch a phone message system that will allow people to call in to receive updates on the vaccine campaign.
  • Call 419-518-8023 to hear the latest recording. You can also call the Health Department directly at 419-352-8402 and select Option 1, then Option 3.