April is National Safe Digging Month and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) would like to remind you of the importance of digging in a safe, responsible way by calling 8-1-1 before you dig. The Ohio Utility Protection Service is the communication link between Ohio individuals planning to dig and utility companies and the […]
Officials say Ohio’s Severe Weather Awareness Week is perfect time to prepare
March 21, 2016 by
Thanks to El Niño, Ohio’s winter weather was full of ups and downs: low snowfall amounts; warmer-than-usual temperatures; and a few blasts of artic air in between. One thing that is consistent about Ohio’s weather is its inconsistencies. This month already, we’ve had highs in the 60s with heavy rain one day, and highs in […]
Highway Patrol urges drivers: “Don’t press your luck this St. Patrick’s Day”
March 16, 2016 by
Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) are urging drivers to designate a sober driver before celebrating the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that often involves high consumption of alcohol. OSHP will work with local law enforcement to remove impaired drivers as part of the National Highway Safety Administration’s Buzzed Driving is Drunk […]
ODNR urges open burning precautions for spring wildfire season
March 11, 2016 by
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reminds Ohioans to take precautions while burning debris this spring and to know the state’s outdoor burning regulations. Ohio law states outdoor debris burning is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during March, April and May. Burning is limited in the spring due to the abundance of […]
As clocks spring ahead this weekend, State Fire Marshal encourages smoke alarms and escape plans
March 11, 2016 by
State Fire Marshal Larry L. Flowers is reminding Ohioans to make a potentially lifesaving change when they move their clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 13, 2016: Change the batteries in your smoke alarms. In conjunction with Ohio’s fire departments and the Safe & Sound campaign, the Division of State Fire Marshal encourages Ohioans […]
OIU agents urge Ohioans to celebrate responsibly this St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness and during college fests
March 10, 2016 by
With St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness and parties on college campuses, agents with the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Ohio Investigative Unit offer these tips to ensure that Ohioans are celebrating responsibly. For liquor establishments: Ensure you are properly checking identification to verify your customers are in fact 21 or older. Offer customers non-alcoholic beverages and […]
Safe & Sound campaign aims to reduce fire deaths in Ohio
March 4, 2016 by
The saying, “March comes in like a lion, and out like a lamb,” holds true in Ohio, and although we are close to the end of winter, we are not out of the woods yet. That is why the Division of State Fire Marshal is reminding Ohioans to continue practicing the messages of its Safe […]
Fire deaths down in Ohio, Fire Marshal urges residents to remain safe
February 2, 2016 by
Sixteen Ohioans lost their lives in fires in January 2016, down from 26 in January 2015. The State Fire Marshal’s office is contributing this decrease to a somewhat mild winter as well as momentum from the office’s Safe & Sound fire safety campaign. Since the campaign was launched in October 2015, Ohio has had 19 […]
PUCO offers tips to stay prepared during winter weather
January 15, 2016 by
As winter weather continues in Ohio, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) reminds you of important home heating safety precautions and electric power outage preparation. PUCO’s five tips for safe home heating Have your furnace, vents, flues and chimneys inspected by a qualified repair person. This should be done once a year. Never use […]
Rebates available for Ohioans to build safe rooms
January 11, 2016 by
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) announced the Ohio Safe Room Rebate Program is once again accepting applications, beginning today. The program provides a rebate for the purchase and construction/installation of tornado safe rooms for Ohio homeowners. “The entire state of Ohio is at risk of an EF5 tornado, which produces 250 mile per […]
