The economic forecast is not the only one that has people concerned. In recent months, there has been a constant reminder of how quickly the weather can change and how devastating its effects can be. Local meteorologists also predict this winter to be colder and more severe. Firefighters from the Batavia Fire Department and Batavia Full-Time Firefighters Association Local 3436 want to be sure that area residents are bundled up properly to protect themselves against plunging temperatures.
If you must go outside in colder temperatures, dressing warm and staying dry are important factors in maintaining proper body temperatures. Wearing a hat, scarf, mittens, layers of clothing, water resistant coats and boots will help reduce heat loss due to wind.
Local 3436 will be holding a coat drive during this year’s Celebration of Lights Festival to collect new/used coats to be donated to area residents in need. In addition to coats, they are seeking hats, mittens and gloves.
“Our members want to make sure that our area residents are staying warm. All of the coats and cold weather clothing that we collect will be donated to the Batavia Interfaith Clothes Closet,” said fund-raising committee chairman Mark Cwinski.
Local 3436 will also host a bake sale during the Celebration of Lights to help raise money to support the ongoing efforts of the clothes closet and food pantry.
To donate items for the coat drive, visit the Batavia Full-Time Firefighters Association inside the Peg Bond Center at the Celebration of Lights Festival. The festival will be held on Sunday, November 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Batavia Riverwalk. Clothing items can also be dropped off at both of the Batavia Fire Department’s fire stations from Nov. 8 through Nov. 27.
