Cold fronts are threatening in more ways than one.

Other than the usual concerns about frigid weather, including bursting pipes, potential for downed power lines and traffic problems that can occur as the result of ice on roads and bridges, it’s also a time to worry about fires.

Every time a siren screams this time of year, we fear for the worst that someone may be experiencing a loss of home or property as the result of a faulty heating system. People are also prone to neglecting to ensure that fires and auxiliary heating units are off when they are away from the home.

Electrical fires are the scariest, but propane, natural gas and kerosene heating units can bring a house to the ground quickly and with little warning.

In light of the weather that many experts are predicting will descend upon Pike County, we encourage all of you to use extreme caution – whether electricity is involved or not – when using heat in your homes.

That said, in the wake of what may or may not be a significant winter storm, it always makes sense to have access to the things you’ll need in case of serious power outages or other problems. Camping stoves and propane heaters are a great way to weather out a storm, but must be used with extreme caution. Ventilation factors, storing combustible chemicals in the home and the risk of fire are all things to be considered when weathering out a winter storm

But there may be no place more dangerous to be than on the roadways. When freezing rain, sleet and ice hit the streets, it makes sense for all of us to stay home. The risk of endangering our own lives and the lives of others is exponentially increased when we travel impassable roads.

And for those who must travel, please remember that a power outage at a traffic light makes the intersection an all-way stop intersection where drivers must observe the same caution as they do when traveling through a stop sign. These intersections are especially dangerous considering that few people are faced with the situation and don’t usually know what to do.

Local police officers are encouraging people to stay off the roads. They say safety concerns

Remember that safety in the home and on the streets saves lives and property. Don’t be caught off guard.

Jan. 27, 2000 9 PM