MISSOURI -- Winter Weather Awareness Day in Missouri on November 16th is your cue to be prepared for snow, ice, and cold.
Missouri has experienced a wide range of hazardous weather throughout 2011, and as cold temperatures return, so too will the threat for severe winter storms. In preparation, the National Weather Service, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the State Emergency Management Agency, and Missouri’s local emergency managers are joining forces to promote November 16th as Winter Weather Awareness Day in Missouri.
The blizzard on February 1st and 2nd of this year brought record or close-to-record snowfall to more than 50 Missouri counties and closed I-70 and a significant portion of I-44. The storm deposited up to two feet of snow in some areas of Missouri and is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for heavy snowfall and ice. We received another reminder late last month when parts of the Northeast were hit by an early snowstorm that cut off power for days.
This is a good time to review your emergency supply kit with winter weather in mind. Kits might contain bottled water, canned and dry foods, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, a manual can opener, and a first-aid kit. You may also want to put together a winter car kit to place in the trunk of your vehicle. This includes a blanket, a spare radio with batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, flares, a shovel, and some sand or shingles to give tires traction.
Other recommendations consist of making sure fireplaces and generators function properly, exercising caution when shoveling snow or pushing a car out of snow banks, and avoiding unnecessary travel when driving conditions are poor.
It’s also important to keep up-to-date on weather forecasts and to understand key National Weather Service products:
A Winter Storm Watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area within 12 to 48 hours.
A Winter Storm Warning indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected immediately and that it can be life threatening.
Ice Storm Warnings are issued for ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more.
Additional information about winter weather and preparedness tips can be found on the following websites:
National Weather Service in St. Louis – Winter Weather Awareness: www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=winterday
SEMA: www.sema.dps.mo.gov (Look for “Winter Awareness Safety Tips” under ‘More Information’.)
Missouri Department of Transportation’s road conditions: www.modot.mo.gov
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