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Today is 'Winter Weather Preparedness Day'
In this file photo, University of Oklahoma freshman Brian Teed of Houston experiences his first snow and first snow fight as sleet, rain and snow fall in Norman, Okla. on Tuesday, January 27, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman
Soon, temperatures will make their way toward freezing, accompanied by the opportunity for snow and ice – making this a good time for Oklahomans to become winter weather prepared. Toward that effort, Gov. Brad Henry has proclaimed today Winter Weather Preparedness Day.
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The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM), Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), and the National Weather Service (NWS), along with other state and local agencies, have teamed together to share information designed to assist the public in taking action now to ensure they are better prepared for the season.
With winter weather comes the need to prepare your home, automobile and family to deal with the colder temperatures, as well as the possibility for snow and ice. “It’s especially timely to review winter weather travel safety plans since more people will be on the roads during the holiday period,” OEM Director Albert Ashwood said.
“Before setting out on a holiday trip we encourage families to make sure they have prepared their vehicle. Packing blankets, emergency food and water, flashlights, a radio and cell phone with extra batteries will help you and your family, should you become stranded because of the weather.”
If you must travel during a snow or ice event, allow extra time to reach your destination, and make sure you have plenty of fuel. Be particularly cautious on bridges and overpasses as they will be the first to freeze.
“ODOT has over 500 trucks available statewide to clear snow and ice” ODOT State Maintenance Engineer Kevin Bloss said. “If you happen to be on the road during snow or ice conditions, we ask motorists to drive cautiously and stay at least 200 feet behind our sand and salt equipment in order to keep everyone safe.”
It’s also important to remember to protect your home. Adding weather stripping and insulation, keeping furnaces clean and ready to use, and being aware of cold temperatures and vulnerable pipes that might freeze mark just some of the actions that can help prevent major and costly winter weather-related damage.
In recent years Oklahoma has been pounded with ice storms. Since 2007, ice storms were responsible for more than 55 deaths and power outages to more than 640,000 homes and businesses across the state. Infrastructure damage to cities, towns and counties alone exceeded $250 million.
“By following some simple tips and monitoring your local weather during times of severe weather, Oklahomans stand their best chance at not becoming a victim,” said Rick Smith, warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS Office in Norman.
Information regarding hazardous winter weather, including watches and warnings, is available on the NWS Web site at http://www.weather.gov, on NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio and on local radio and television stations. Sign up now to receive OEM’s weather alerts and receive NWS watches, warnings on your cell phone or other email address at http://www.ok.gov/OEM/.
Below are some additional winter weather preparedness tips. For more information on how to cope with winter weather, contact your local emergency manager.
Be Aware:
Know what winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings mean.
An NWS Winter Storm watch is a message indicating that conditions are favorable to a winter storm.
An NWS warning indicates that a winter storm is occurring or is imminent.
A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
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