JEFFERSON CITY – State agencies are promoting Winter Weather Awareness Day Wednesday to call attention to planning ahead in the event of Winter storms.

The National Weather Service said while the winter of 2014-12015 was not too bad across the state, many people likely still remember January 2014, which  was a reminder of what winter can do in Missouri. Talk about the “polar vortex” was everywhere. January 6 – 7, 2014 brought some of the coldest temperatures we have seen in Missouri in many years. Lambert St. Louis International Airport fell to -8 on the 6th. That was the first time the temperature there had been below zero since 1999.

Nov. 18 is being promoted as Winter Weather Awareness Day by the NWS, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, the State Emergency Management Agency and Missouri’s local emergency managers.

In 2011, much of Missouri was affected by record snowfall and blizzard conditions that kept many in their homes and closed I-70 across the state. In 2009, a severe ice storm knocked out power to thousands for days in southeast Missouri. Both serve as reminders of the hazards winter weather can present and the importance of preparing in advance.

The National Weather Service has prepared a webpage with lots of safety tips and information about winter weather and its impact: http://www.weather.gov/lsx/winterday.

Some of the severe winter weather preparations Missourians can make include:

· Create a family emergency plan and an emergency kit. Emergency supplies should include bottled water, canned and dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first-aid kit.
· Know the risks of exposure to cold temperatures. Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting clothing in several layers. Limit time spent outdoors in frigid temperatures and stay indoors, if possible.
· Make sure alternate heat and power sources, such as fireplaces, woodstoves, oil heaters and generators function properly. These sources can be dangerous and must be maintained and operated. Keep the correct fuel for each source on hand in a safe location. Properly install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home. Only operate generators outdoors.
· Assemble a separate vehicle winter emergency kit. Include a blanket, radio with spare batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, flares, shovel and sand or shingles to give tires traction.
· Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, make sure an emergency kit is in the vehicle, that cell phones are charged and emergency numbers are saved for fast dialing. Check on road conditions in advance on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Info Map: http://traveler.modot.org/map/. If your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road, stay with your vehicle and call or wait for help.

The NWS said people should also be aware of current weather forecasts and understand the different terms the NWS uses when issuing winter weather advisories:

· Winter Storm Watch – Severe winter weather may affect your area within 12-48 hours.
· Winter Storm Warning – Severe winter weather is in the area or is imminent and could be life threatening.
· Ice Storm Warnings – Ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more are expected in your area.