[Press Release] : Government and Service Agencies Preparing for Weather Hazards

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Toni Messina, Director, Public Communications, 573-874-7660 or
573-449-1657 (after hours) 

Government and Service Agencies Preparing for Weather Hazards 

COLUMBIA, MO (December 10, 2007 – 5 p.m. ) - Because of threatening and
potentially hazardous weather conditions, the Columbia/Boone County
Emergency Operations Center is running on an active, stand-by basis. 
Citizens are urged to stay alert to weather forecasts and further
advisories from emergency response personnel. 
City Streets

The City of Columbia Public Works Department’s snow/ice removal and
treatment operations are continuing.  Crews moved into the residential
areas late Sunday and were working in residential areas today. They will
continue monitoring critical, first priority and second priority streets
as they work on residential areas.  If weather conditions warrant, crews
will move back to priority and critical streets to assure they are safe
and passable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Public Information Officer Jill Stedem at
573-874-7217; see the City’s snow removal map at www.GoColumbiaMo.com . 


County Roads
Boone County Public Works has been working 24 hours a day with all staff
and equipment since December 6.  Contractors worked in subdivisions on
December 9, and today three brush crews removed downed trees and limbs
in southern Boone County. Staff expects substantial tree and limb
cleanup after the storm. 

Concentration has been on priority and secondary hard-surfaced roads
which are currently cleared and wet. Most subdivisions have been
cleared, and roads are wet. Eight motor graders have been working on
gravel roads, but many are still ice-covered and slick. Low-hanging
limbs and utility lines make travel dangerous in much of southern Boone
County.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Maintenance Operations Manager Chip
Estabrooks at 573-449-8515, Ext. 225 or at cestabrooks at boonecountymo.org
. 
Utility Service

Sleet and freezing rain can “ice” tree limbs and power lines,
potentially causing electric power outages.  If you experience an
outage, call 875-2555.   Power will be restored consistent with
designated priorities, starting with repairs to main distribution line
feeders that serve large numbers of customers.  Water and Light trucks
are fueled, supplied and ready to respond.  Private contractors are on
alert to deal with downed trees, if needed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Contact Public Information Officer Connie
Kacprowicz at 573-874-7330; see
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/WaterandLight/Electric/poweroutages.php for
information on City power outages and the restoration process. 
Emergency Shelter

Although no warming shelters are open this evening, City, County and
not-for-profit agencies are preparing to open warming shelters for those
who lose power at home.  More details will be provided if shelters open.

Transportation

City buses currently are running their regular schedules but may switch
to snow routes if needed. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Public Information Officer Jill Stedem at
573-874-7217. 
Health Precautions

The Columbia/Boone County Department of Health advises citizens to
prepare for hazardous conditions, avoid unnecessary risks and keep tabs
on neighbors. 

    * The Centers for Disease Control recommends having a two-week
supply of the following items in your household: safe drinking water,
canned food , prescription drugs and other medicine, first-aid kit, cat
litter or a bag of sand, flashlight, battery powered lamps or lanterns
and extra batteries
    * Extreme cold can cause hypothermia. Abnormally low body
temperatures can make the victim unable to think clearly or move well.
If you think someone is suffering from hypothermia, take the person’s
temperature. If it is below 95°F, the situation is an emergency and you
should get medical attention immediately.
    * Infants, children and the elderly have a higher risk from cold
weather.  Because they lose body heat more easily than adults,metabolism, are less physically active and make less body heat. 
Remember to check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently.
    * Avoid carbon monoxide exposure.  Do not use a generator, charcoal
grill, camp stove or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside
your home, basement, garage or near a window.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Public Information Officer Deidre Wood at
573-874-7632.  
Getting Help

Columbia Area United Way reminds citizens to take care during cold
weather advisories, warnings and emergencies. For information on where
to get help during a cold-weather emergency, most Missouri residents can
call 2-1-1.  Cell phone users and those not yet able to dial 2-1-1,
should call: 1-800-427-4626. For senior citizens worried about not being
able to pay for heating, bill assistance information is available by
calling United Way at 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626. 

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