Franklin County Public Health is responding to the extreme cold by promoting emergency warming shelters, sharing cold-weather safety information, and working closely with hospitals and emergency services to monitor cold-related illnesses and injuries. We are also reinforcing local and state guidance to ensure clear, consistent messaging and help communities stay safe during this prolonged period of severe weather.
Regarding school closures, we recognize the importance of keeping students engaged in learning, but the current extreme cold presents serious health and safety risks. Children are especially vulnerable while waiting outdoors for transportation, where severe wind chills, limited visibility, and icy conditions increase the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and falls. Decisions about school operations are made carefully, with the understanding that student safety is foundational to educational success. We support precautionary decisions that prioritize the well-being of students and families during these dangerous conditions.