by Wayne Ohio | Dec 23, 2019 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Dec. 2019 – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive sober this holiday season. Troopers will focus on removing impaired drivers from our roadways in an effort to reduce fatal and injury crashes.
In 2018, there were 10 fatal crashes that killed 11 people during the five-day holiday period. Of the 10 fatalities in which safety belts were available, seven were unbelted. Additionally, five crashes and six fatalities were OVI related.
“Incidents of impaired driving increase during the holiday season as people visit family and friends,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Please don’t risk your life or the lives of others by getting behind the wheel while impaired.”
During last year’s reporting period, the Patrol made 405 arrests for OVI. Last year’s reporting period ran from Friday, December 21 through Tuesday, December 25. This year’s reporting period is December 24 and 25.
“We take impaired driving seriously and remain dedicated to promoting safety on Ohio’s roadways,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro. “You can save lives and make our roads safer when you designate a sober driver.”
The Patrol reminds drivers to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or make other arrangements. Motorists are encouraged to report impaired drivers and drug activity to the Patrol by calling #677.
Posted by Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County Government.
by Wayne Ohio | Dec 17, 2019 | Blog
WAYNE COUNTY, OH, Dec. 2019 — With the winter holidays just weeks away, Ohio residents may want to consider giving gifts that will help family members and friends sustain themselves during the event of a disaster or home emergency. Items to build an emergency preparedness kit can make unique and useful holiday gifts.
“If you’re still looking for a good gift for that hard-to-buy-for loved one, consider giving the gift of preparedness,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “This may jumpstart them on the road toward preparedness and could make a huge difference in a disaster or emergency – maybe even save a life.”
Ideas for emergency preparedness gift items include:
– Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank NOAA Weather Radio with Tone Alert
– Battery-Operated or Hand-Crank Flashlight or Lantern with Extra Batteries
– Walkie-Talkies, Extra Batteries
– Solar-Powered Cell Phone Charger
– Combination Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector
– Fire Extinguisher
– Activity Books, Playing Cards and Board Games for Kids (in case the power goes out)
– Water Bottle with Built-In Filter (personal water filter)
– Multipurpose Tool or Swiss Army Knife
– Personal Hygiene Comfort Kit: shampoo, body wash, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
Holiday shoppers may also want to consider giving a winter car kit equipped with a snow brush, ice scraper, emergency flares, jumper cables, shovel, a blanket, and a travel-size first aid kit. For animal lovers: a pet disaster kit with a food and water dish, pet food, bottled water, and a leash or pet carrier.
Over the next couple of weeks, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency will highlight these emergency preparedness gift ideas on Facebook and Twitter.
For additional information on emergency preparedness and winter weather safety, visit ReadyOhio at www.ready.ohio.gov.
Posted by Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County government.
by Wayne Ohio | Dec 9, 2019 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Dec. 2019 — Social media and the internet force us all to update the way we think about giving. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost urges Ohioans to be generous with their pocketbook — and with their time in checking out those seeking donations during the holiday season.
“We all need to open our hearts, our wallets — and our eyes,” Yost said in a press release.
Each year brings new, easier ways to give to charities with smartphones and social media. Ohioans can encounter numerous third-party platforms that facilitate charitable donations, including popular social media platforms, crowdfunding sites, giving portals and even within gaming live-streams.
Here are tips to be aware of:
-Do not assume that charity recommendations on social media sites have already been vetted. Donors should research the charity, including whether it is registered, on the “Research Charities” section on the attorney general’s website.
-Be cautious of “look-alike” websites and charities with names that sound similar to well-known organizations. Sometimes they are simply intended to confuse donors.
-Make sure the donation website is secure. Look for the “s” in “https” at the beginning of the web address, which means the site is secure.
-Watch out for emotional appeals. Scammers know it just takes a click to donate online and can capitalize on the convenience and spirit of giving with fake pictures and stories.
-Determine what percentage of the donation will go to the charity and whether there will be any fees for donating.
-Identify what the website will do (if anything) with personal information, and be wary of websites that do not provide a privacy policy.
-Donors can also check the following resources to learn more about specific charities: IRS Select Check, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, and GuideStar.
Residents with questions about charitable registration should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-282-0515 or through email at CharitableRegistration@OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
Posted by Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County Government.
