As we go into December and eventually approach January and February, we’re likely to see more winter weather in that time frame. The City of Ponca City and Ponca City Emergency Management have provided safety tips for winter weather.
Be Aware
• Know what winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings mean.
• A NWS (National Weather Service) Winter Storm Watch is a message indicating that conditions are favorable for hazardous winter precipitation to develop.
• A NWS Winter Storm Warning indicates that a winter storm is occurring or is imminent, 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.
Plan for a Winter Storm
• Develop a Family Disaster Plan for winter storms. Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill. Cold temperatures are even more dangerous, and potentially deadly, when combined with strong winds.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbours, especially the elderly. Make sure they are prepared.
• Don’t forget about the pets. Make sure they have good food and water supplies and a place to seek shelter.
• Have your car winterized before winter storm season. Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
Protect Your Property
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary insulate walls and attic. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation.
• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
• Know how to shut off water valves.
• Install and check smoke alarms.
• Keep safe emergency heating equipment, such as a fireplace wood. Always be cautious in using a portable space heater.
If You Must Go Out During a Winter Storm:
• The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm is not to be out in it. Long periods of exposure to severe cold can result in frostbite or hypothermia.
• If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to reduce your chances injury.
• Avoid over exertion such as shovelling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks to avoid slips and falls.
• Dress in many layers and wear a hat and mittens.
• Come inside often for warm-up breaks.
• If you start to shiver or get very tired, or if your nose, fingers, toes, or ear lobes start to feel numb or turn very pale, come inside right away and seek medical assistance. These are the signs of hypothermia and frostbite and need immediate attention.
• If you are traveling, let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
• If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood (after snow stops falling).
Make sure your Winter Storm Disaster Supplies Kit includes:
• A cell phone with a battery pack or two-way radio
• Windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal
• Several blankets or sleeping bags
• Rain gear and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks, and a cap
• Non-perishable snacks like canned fruit, nuts, and other high energy food. Include a non-electric can opener.
• Several bottles of water. Eating snow will lower your body temperature. If necessary, melt it first.
• A small sack of sand or kitty litter for generating traction under wheels, a set of tire chains or traction mats.
• Jumper cables
• A first aid kit
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna if you get stranded.
Contact: Paula Cain, Emergency Management Director, 580.767.0380
