[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Winter Weather Awareness Day, November 16th, 2011

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, Emergency Management Director
(573) 874-7400

Winter Weather Awareness Day, November 16th, 2011

COLUMBIA, MO (November 14, 2011) - With the memories of the February 2011 blizzard still fresh in our collective memories, the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds residents that the next winter season is just around the corner.  Now is the time to make sure you're prepared for all that winter brings with it. 

"While we hope we don't have another snow event such as this past February, that doesn't mean we should not be prepared," says OEM Director Zim Schwartze.  "Preparation in advance of February's blizzard by residents, businesses, schools and governmental entities prevented the situation from being much worse than it could have been.  We can't stop the snow and ice from falling and accumulating but we can control our response to it. That means getting ready now, and knowing what to do before, during, and after a winter weather event."

Schwartze advises everyone to be prepared for winter weather by having an emergency kit in both homes and vehicles.  A home kit should include enough basic supplies for all occupants to last up to 72 hours.  In vehicles, kits should contain items that will help in the event a motorist becomes stranded for any length of time. 

During severe winter storms and snow, it is quite common to see cars that have slid off of the roadway.  Residents are reminded that if there is yellow tape visible on the highest point on the car, such as the antenna or mirror, the car has been checked by law enforcement, MoDOT, or another agency.  In that event, there is no need to report that car.

November 16th is "Winter Weather Awareness Day", 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's office.  The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management can assist residents wanting to learn more about winter weather preparation.  For brochures and information, call (573) 874-7400, or go online at www.gocolumbiamo.com/EM.


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