[Press Release] : Preparedness is the key: Winter Weather Awareness Day is Wednesday

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Zim Schwartze, OEM Director, or Scott Smith, Public
Information Officer - (573) 874-7400

Preparedness is the key: Winter Weather Awareness Day is Wednesday

COLUMBIA, MO (November 17, 2009) - Wednesday is “Winter Weather
Awareness Day” across the state of Missouri. It is a day designed to
encourage residents to review the hazards and safety rules of winter
weather so they are prepared for the upcoming winter season. The
Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds area
residents that with winter just around the corner it’s important to
prepare now. 

“You don’t have to look too far into our past to realize the impact
winter weather can have on our area,” says OEM Director Zim Schwartze.
“Heavy snowfalls, bitterly cold temperatures, and even icy conditions
can wreak havoc on the area. If we each take just a little time to
review our plans and make sure our vehicles, homes and families are
ready, Old Man Winter will not have a harsh grip on Columbia and Boone
County.” 

Schwartze advises everyone to be prepared in their homes and in their
vehicles by having an emergency kit in both. In your home, you need to
have enough basic supplies to last you and your family up to 72 hours.
In your car, you need to have items that will help you in the event you
are stranded.

“Winter Weather Awareness Day” is a cooperative effort of the
Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management, the National
Weather Service (NWS), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the
Department of Health and Senior Services, Missouri Highway Patrol and
the State Fire Marshal. Residents wanting to learn more about
preparation for winter weather and other disasters can contact OEM for a
wide variety of publications by calling (573) 874-7400 or going online
at www.gocolumbiamo.com/EM.

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