2011 Winter Storm #2

Oklahomans urged to get ready in advance of snow and ice

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

Have a Plan - Make a Kit - Stay Informed

Have a Plan:

Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.
Ensure your family knows meeting places and phone numbers of other family members in case they are separated when a winter storm hits.
Know what to do if basic services such as water, gas, electricity or telephones are cut off for an extended period of time.
Understand the hazards of wind chill. Cold temperatures are even more dangerous, and potentially deadly, when combined with strong winds. The lower the temperature and stronger the wind, the more at risk you are.
Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly. Make sure they are prepared.
Plan to bring pets inside during winter weather. Move livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
Install and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing and know how to shut off water valves if necessary.
Have an alternate heating method such as fireplace or wood or coal burning stove. Always be cautious using a portable space heater.
Have your car winterized before winter storm season. Keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

Make a Kit:

A cell phone with charger and a battery powered radio.
Windshield scraper, de-icer, snow shovel and small broom for ice and snow removal.
Several blankets or sleeping bags.
Rain gear, warm coats and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a cap.
Non-perishable snacks like dried fruit, nuts and other high energy “munchies.”
Several bottles of water. Eating snow will lower your body temperature. If necessary, melt it first.
Sand or cat litter for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats.
Jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit and brightly colored cloth to tie to antenna if you get stranded

Stay Informed:

Know what National Weather Service winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings mean.
A winter storm watch is a message indicating a winter storm is possible in your area.
A winter storm warning indicates a winter storm is occurring winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area and could threaten life and property.
A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow is expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
Depend on your NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio, along with local radio and television stations, for weather reports.