Before we know it we'll be dealing with freezing temps and worse yet, extreme Winter weather. The following is some recommended reading provided by the Bates Count Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security:
Winter is coming once again, and we all remember the blizzard that Bates County experienced on Feb 2, 2010. Now is the time to familiarize yourself and family with winter safety and safety measures.
Some of the terms used by the National Weather Service used to identify a winter storm hazard are:
Winter Storm Watch indicates that severe winter weather is in the area or expected within 12-48 hours.
Winter Storm Warning indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected immediately and can be life threatening.
Ice Storm Warning is issued for ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more.
Blizzard Warning is issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
Frost/Freeze Warning is issued when below freezing temperatures are expected.
Freezing Rain is rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.
The State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency recommends that Missourians can prepare for winter by:
Create a family emergency plan and creating an emergency kit with bottled water, canned and dried food that can be prepared without cooking in case of power outage.
Securing an alternate fuel source such as firewood or a generator. Make sure your fireplace functions properly. If you have a generator, make sure you have fuel and that it functions properly. Only operate the generator outdoors. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
Creating a winter car kit in the trunk of the car. This includes: windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, blanket, spare radio with batteries, snacks or energy type food, water, jumper cables, flares and matches, shovel, sand or shingles to give tires traction, extra hats socks and mittens, first aid kit, fluorescent distress flag.
Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
Winter Storm Watch indicates that severe winter weather is in the area or expected within 12-48 hours.
Winter Storm Warning indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected immediately and can be life threatening.
Ice Storm Warning is issued for ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more.
Blizzard Warning is issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
Frost/Freeze Warning is issued when below freezing temperatures are expected.
Freezing Rain is rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.
The State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency recommends that Missourians can prepare for winter by:
Create a family emergency plan and creating an emergency kit with bottled water, canned and dried food that can be prepared without cooking in case of power outage.
Securing an alternate fuel source such as firewood or a generator. Make sure your fireplace functions properly. If you have a generator, make sure you have fuel and that it functions properly. Only operate the generator outdoors. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
Creating a winter car kit in the trunk of the car. This includes: windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, blanket, spare radio with batteries, snacks or energy type food, water, jumper cables, flares and matches, shovel, sand or shingles to give tires traction, extra hats socks and mittens, first aid kit, fluorescent distress flag.
Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
-our thanks to Director Ron Nissen, Bates County Emergency Management and Homeland Security
