[Press Release] : Winter storm preparation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Geni Alexander, Public Information Specialist - (573) 874-7632
or (573) 268-6265 or gaalexan at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Winter storm preparation

COLUMBIA, MO (December 11, 2008) - Local forecasters are predicting a
wintery weather mix for Boone County early next week. Winter storms can
knock out heat, power and communications services, sometimes for days at
a time. The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as
“Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to
the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of
hypothermia from exposure to the cold. The Columbia/Boone County
Department of Public Health and Human Services offers the following
winter weather tips to keep residents safe and warm as the winter
weather hits. 

Prepare an emergency kit. An emergency kit for your home is easy to put
together and should include a two-week supply of non-perishable food and
safe drinking water and, when applicable, baby food, baby formula and
medicine. Other necessary items include a first-aid kit, battery-powered
or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. A winter weather
kit should also have rock salt (to melt ice on walkways), sand or cat
litter (to improve traction), snow shovels and other snow removal
equipment as well as adequate clothing and blankets for warmth.

Preparing your car for winter weather travel is also easy. Emergency
supplies in your vehicle should include a cell phone and portable
charger, shovel, windshield scraper, battery-powered radio, flashlights,
water, snack food, blankets, chains or rope, tire chains, emergency tire
repair kit, road salt or sand, jumper cables, emergency flares, bright
colored flags or help signs, extra batteries and extra hats, coats and
mittens. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least a half tank of fuel in
your vehicle in the winter months. 

Create a plan. Families should also have a plan for communicating with
each other (if they are separated when the storm hits) and with elderly
and/or homebound friends and family who might need extra assistance when
the storm hits. 

Listen and be informed. Listen for information about what to do and
where to go during an emergency. City, county and state officials have
developed thorough emergency plans. During an emergency, it is important
to follow their instructions and advice. 

Preparing your house and car - before the storm hits - is easy to do
and will protect you and your family. For more information on emergency
planning or winter weather survival, citizens should contact the health
department at (573) 874-7345.

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