As temperatures continue to drop this winter, now is the time to prepare for seasonal winter hazards. To help Oklahomans plan for the months ahead, state and federal agencies are joining together to promote Winter Weather Preparedness Week Dec. 8-14.
“Although the weather this week will be mild, Winter Weather Preparedness Week reminds all of us to start thinking about the hazards that winter weather can bring,” said Annie Mack Vest, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. “Use these sunny days to prepare your home and your family so you can stay safe and warm throughout the season.”
The National Weather Service offices in Norman and Tulsa remind Oklahomans that winter weather hazards such as ice, heavy snow, and even extreme cold temperatures can be just as dangerous as any other type of severe weather. It’s important to prepare your family, vehicle, and home and to stay tuned to winter weather forecasts throughout the season.
“When our agencies work together, we’re stronger,” said Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz. “These partnerships allow us to respond faster, share resources, and improve safety for every Oklahoman on our roads. Collaboration is at the heart of our shared missions to help drivers get home safely every trip.”
Agencies say travel safety is always a major concern during winter months, when slick or snowy conditions make driving more dangerous.
“The Oklahoma Highway Patrol would like to remind everyone to drive safely this winter,” said Oklahoma Highway Patrol LT Mark Southall. “Slick and hazardous roads require your full attention, extra following and stopping distance, and speeds appropriate for the conditions. Let’s get through this winter together by being safe, alert, and courteous drivers!”
Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and Oklahoma Department of Public Safety offer the following tips for drivers during winter weather:
- Drive slowly and stay alert. Allow extra space between vehicles.
- Don’t crowd the plows. Do not pass road clearing equipment and stay at least 200 feet back, or at least four to five school bus lengths. Crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice.
- Be aware of "black ice," which looks wet on the roadway but is a thin layer of ice, especially early morning and overnight.
- Check weather reports, plan ahead, and allow extra time in reaching destinations.
Winter storms and dangerously cold temperatures can pose real dangers if people are not ready for their impacts. Freezing temperatures during winter months can be dangerous for many Oklahomans, leading to cold-related illnesses and injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite.
"Protecting Oklahomans’ health and preventing injuries is central to the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s mission, especially during winter weather. The OSDH collaborates with partners across the state to share timely guidance on avoiding weather-related injuries, such as cold exposure, overexertion, and carbon monoxide poisoning," said an OSDH spokesperson.
Use the following safety tips to stay healthy during winter weather.
- Dress in layers and cover extremities with a hat, gloves, scarf, and warm socks.
- Stay dry. Wet clothes cause rapid heat loss.
- Limit time outdoors in extreme cold and be aware of wind chill.
- Come inside often for warm-up breaks.
- Watch for risks: Be alert for hypothermia (shivering, confusion), frostbite (numbness, pale skin), and Carbon Monoxide poisoning (headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting).
- Avoid fatigue and exhaustion during cold weather. Overexertion, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can strain your heart.
Finally, winter weather impacts to homes and other buildings can be costly and unsafe. Prepare your home now before the next round of winter weather occurs.
“Having your household prepared is important to reduce costs and ensure power is available for both you and your neighbors,” said Brandy Wreath, Oklahoma Corporation Commission Director of Administration and Appointing Authority. “Unplanned outages, even isolated, can occur. OCC works with our state’s energy producers to ensure availability of natural resources and stability of the power grid.”
The following tips are recommended to help weather-proof your home in the winter.
- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
- Keep your furnace and air filters clean and working efficiently.
- Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
- Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
- Insulate walls and attic.
- Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.
- Install a smoke detector and battery-operated carbon monoxide detector.
- Have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
Be sure to check in with the National Weather Service and other trusted local sources daily for forecasts to inform you of potential inclement weather.
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