LISBON — Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency Director Peggy Clark said as of Monday afternoon, she had not received any requests from any elected officials in any jurisdictions to notify the public about any warming centers being opened.

She said that could change, especially if the power goes out, but it’s dependent on the local communities letting her know so she can let the public know.

An extreme cold warning was issued Monday until 11 a.m. today due to the expectation of dangerously low wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero, which could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Extended freezing temperatures could also cause ruptured water pipes. Actual temperatures were expected in the single digits today.

The EMS staff was working at the office in Lisbon Monday and she said she also saw personnel from the engineer’s office working and the prosecutor’s office out and about. Most county offices were closed, including all the courts and the downtown courthouse in Lisbon.

Clark said she’s been in communication with fire chiefs, police chiefs and other public officials throughout the county during the storm and explained that all of the jurisdictions have a designated place that can be activated for a shelter.

According to Clark, Ohio is a home rule state, so a decision on warming shelters or other shelters goes to the local jurisdictions. They have been told if they open one, to let the EMA know and the EMA will notify the public through social media and the emergency alert system.

In talking to some of the officials, she said “they said they haven’t had any unmet needs.”

Besides being in contact with the officials from the communities, the EMA also keeps in touch with the local utility companies so the EMA receives notice about any power outages and the need for a warming shelter.

Typically, if a public entity is opening a shelter, the EMA is notified and places the information on social media and sends out alerts to residents in the affected areas.

She didn’t hear of any major problems during the storm and said “so far, so good,”

“It look like everybody just stayed home (Sunday),” she said.

As for snow totals, she was hearing anywhere from 15 to 16 inches in the county.

To sign up for the emergency alerts, she said to go to the county EMA website at https://www.ccoema.org/ and click on CCEMA Alerts to register.

By signing up for the county EMA alerts, residents can receive real-time updates, emergency alerts, event information and other critical notifications via text and email.

Clark noted that the county was transitioning to a new emergency alert system, but said anyone who previously signed up to receive the emergency alerts will continue receiving them. A message may have been sent advising registered residents of the change.

She said the alert system has been used to alert people about warming center locations previously. There have been some area churches doing their own warming centers, but she didn’t know of any by local governments.

Communities have been digging out from the heavy snowfall the last two days. Lisbon Street Department Foreman Jim Oliver said the snow removal for the village went fairly smoothly for as much snow as the area received. On Monday, he said village crews were putting salt down and working on the alleys.

Area schools called off again today due to the weather, with Kent State resuming classes at noon today.

mgreier@mojonews.com