At Least Three Deaths, Numerous Injuries Tied to Winter Storm

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- At least three deaths and numerous injuries across the state are being connected to this week's winter storm.

A 70-year-old woman from Ada was killed Friday when a propane tank she was using to keep her house warm exploded. The woman's husband is hospitalized in critical condition.

A 73-year-old Pontotoc County man died Saturday in a house fire after using a wood-burning stove due to power outages. A Holdenville man, 33-year-old Rubin Rodriguez was killed in a car accident Sunday morning after his car went off a snow-covered embankment.

In Geary, 59-year-old Carla Burns died Saturday morning, apparently after slipping on ice in her front yard.

Latest state-wide winter storm injury surveillance statistics reported by the OSDH indicate 232 injuries from slips and falls, 51 injuries from motor vehicle accidents, and 10 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.

At least 325 injuries related to slips and falls on the ice and snow have been reported statewide as a result of the latest winter storm to hit Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) said Sunday As more Oklahomans venture outdoors to clear their porches, sidewalks and vehicles of ice and snow, the opportunities for slips and falls increase.

The OSDH urged caution, especially since thawing and refreezing of ice and snow will likely continue for several days.

The OSDH also reports 70 injuries from motor vehicle accidents, and 10 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning related to the storm.

The OSDH urged those who are able to move about to check on neighbors who may need assistance, particularly those living alone and the elderly. The OSDH also urged those who are using portable generators to make certain they are not placed for use indoors or in garages, basements or sheds.

Generators should be placed well away -- at least 25 feet -- from windows, doors, vents or any other opening. Some persons may be tempted to use charcoal grills, camp stoves or other gasoline/charcoal burning devices indoors during a power outage. These alternative fuel sources can also produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Some areas of the state continue to struggle with power outages. Power outages present problems with food safety as well as with heating. If people at home or those in food establishments have had a loss of power for more than four hours, take the following precautions with refrigerated food products:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.Discard any potentially hazardous foods such as meats, eggs, dairy products and leftovers that may have exceeded 41 F. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Frozen foods in a freezer can normally be kept up to 48 hours without power. Again, the 41 F rule applies. A frozen product that has thawed should not be refrozen—it should be used immediately or disposed of. Thawed foods that have not reached 41 F can be cooked and consumed.
• Finally, the OSDH warns Oklahomans not to skate, slide, or sled on frozen ponds, creeks, rivers, or lakes. Although the water appears to be frozen, it may not be solid enough to support the weight of a person. Temperatures in Oklahoma are never cold enough to completely freeze recreational water.

Additional winter weather precautions are available on the Oklahoma State Department of Health Web site.