Oklahomans Urged To Get Ready For Winter

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Gov. Brad Henry has proclaimed Wednesday, Nov. 10, Winter Weather Preparedness Day. He's urged all Oklahomans to get ready before the bad weather actually hits.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM), Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), the National Weather Service (NWS), and other state and local agencies have teamed up to share information to help the public prepare before winter begins. State officials said last winter's blizzard and ice storm should serve as lessons to Oklahomans. They said some of the items on people's Winter Weather Preparedness List should include:

• Know what to do if basic services such as water, gas, electricity or telephones are cut off for an extended period of time.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly. Make sure they are prepared.
• Plan to bring pets inside during winter weather. Move livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
• Install and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing and know how to shut off water valves if necessary.
• Have an alternate heating method such as fireplace or wood or coal burning stove. Always be cautious using a portable space heater.
• Have your car winterized before winter storm season. Keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

State officials said people should not only prepare their homes, they should stock their vehicles with storm kits.

"The memory of those travelers stuck in the cold for long hours awaiting rescue last Christmas drives home the need to always prepare," said OEM Director Albert Ashwood. "Having a blanket, heavy gloves, emergency food and water, a flashlight, a well charged cell phone and a full tank of gas could have made a big difference for many of those awaiting rescue on Oklahoma roadways."

State officials are not just talking about getting ready for winter; they're making sure state agencies are prepared as well. ODOT crews have stocked up for winter weather.

"Statewide, our salt and sand supplies are fully stocked, and more than 500 trucks are available to clear snow and ice from highways and interstates," said ODOT Director of Operations Casey Shell. "During our clearance operations, we ask that drivers stay at least 200 feet behind our equipment, for both their safety and the safety of our crews."

Winter Preparedness Check List.