[Press Release] : Winter weather forecast to affect the central Missouri area tonight and Thursday

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp, Public Information Officer - (573) 874-7557

Winter weather forecast to affect the central Missouri area tonight and Thursday

COLUMBIA, MO (November 29, 2006) -- With the potential for a powerful winter storm to affect the area tonight and Thursday, the Columbia Fire Department and the Columbia Police Department remind you that being prepared is the key to safety

* Plan your travel and check the latest weather and road condition reports to avoid hazardous travel. 

* If you don't have to travel, stay at home. Traffic crashes are a leading cause of death during winter weather.

* If schools are cancelled due to weather then it means it is also dangerous to drive to other destinations. If travel is not essential, stay at home.

* Buckleup! Seat belts save lives. While airbags also reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, airbags are designed to work with seat belts.

* Children should be properly secured in approved and properly installed child passenger safety seats.

* SLOW down. Allow adequate breaking distances between you and the traffic in front of you. Allow plenty of extra travel time. 

* Approach intersections with caution. Other vehicles may not be able to stop and enter the intersection causing a side impact crash. Side impact crashes often cause serious injury and death.

* Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins. 

* Carry a winter storm survival kit: blankets/sleeping bags; flashlight with extra batteries; first aid kit; knife; high-calorie, non-perishable food; extra clothing to keep dry; a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes; a smaller can and water proof matches to melt snow for drinking water; sack of sand (or cat litter); shovel; windshield scraper and brush; tool kit; tow rope; booster cables; water container; compass and road maps. 

* Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the fuel tank and fuel lines. 

* Try not to travel alone. 

* Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. 

* Drive defensively and watch out for the other guy.

As in past years, local emergency crews will place yellow police/fire scene tape on the antenna of any vehicle that has left the roadway and has been checked. When reporting a vehicle off the road, please note if there is a yellow piece of scene tap on the vehicle. If so, the vehicle has been checked and it does not need to be reported again. 

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