[Press Release] : Columbia/Boone County Emergency Managers Ask Motorist to Use Caution

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

MEDIA RELEASE

Contact: 

Battalion Chief Steven Sapp, 573-874-7557 – office, 573-219-0572 – mobile 

Division Chief Gale Blomenkamp, 573-447-5000 – office, 573-219-0677 - mobile 

Columbia/Boone County Emergency Managers Ask Motorist to Use Caution 

COLUMBIA, MO (12/03/2006) - Road crews are making progress on major routes and secondary roads after Fridays near record breaking 15 inches of snow. Most major routes such as I-70, US Highway 63, Providence Road, Stadium Blvd, Business Loop 70, Broadway, and others have been cleared of most of the snow, but roads remain hazardous. 

Monday will be the first day many people will return to work and perhaps back to school. This means that motorist, users of mass transit, and pedestrians must be prepared to heed the following warnings concerning travel: 

* Slow down! Be patient; Buckle-up; Watch out for the other guy by driving defensively.

Allow plenty of extra time. Count on travel being slow Monday morning as temperatures dip into the single digits and cause re-freezing of any melt that occurred with the sunshine on Sunday. Allow at least 30-60 minutes of extra travel time.

Allow plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Stopping distances will increase on the slick roads.

Approach intersections with caution and slow down. Intersections are where the majority of traffic crashes occur because motorist are driving to fast, not allowing enough time to stop, or don’t pay attention.

Consider car pooling. The lesser number of vehicles on the road the better. Young drivers or drivers with little or no experience on snow covered roads should consider mass transit options or riding with someone who is more experienced in winter driving conditions.

For children who ride school buses or public transportation – check with the transit providers and listen to local media. Some school and public transit buses may run only on designated snow routes.

With single digit low temperatures and wind chills below zero, dress the kids in layers and don’t allow them to stand outside to long. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur in short periods of time.

If you elect to walk, dress in layers for warmth. Use caution if walking in or close to the roadway. Motorist and pedestrians must watch out for each other. Pedestrians should also wear light colored or reflective materials so they can be seen.

As we enter days three and four post winter storm, make sure you continue to check on neighbors, especially those that can not get out. If someone you know relies on meals being brought to them, needs medication delivered, or has home health care concerns – help is available from many social service agencies. A number of volunteers are available to deliver needed services. Emergency management has set up a phone line at 573-874-7470 which volunteers or those in need may call for assistance and information. 

Emergency providers remind everyone that responses may be delayed. Boone County Fire District and the Columbia Fire Department are using their own snow plow equipped vehicles to clear roads and driveways if needed during emergency response. State, County, and City road departments will assist law enforcement, fire, and EMS providers if needed. Fire and law enforcement agencies will respond to all emergency calls and will get to you. The response from both departments may be delayed. Emergency responders in the Harrisburg area reported drifts of over four (4) feet in some areas. Even in the City of Columbia, emergency responders have reported drifts of two (2) feet or more blocking some roads. 

MoDOT, County Public Works, and the City of Columbia Street Department will continue to issue updates on road conditions as information becomes available. Web users can check out local snow priority routes and information at www.GoColumbiaMo.com and MoDOT road reports can be viewed at www.modot.org and County road reports can be viewed at www.showmeboone.com 

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