Northwest Missouri State University – along with the National Weather Service (NWA), the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local emergency managers – are joining forces to promote Wednesday, Nov. 19, as Winter Awareness Day in Missouri.
“With less daylight and colder temperatures, it’s a subtle reminder that winter weather is arriving,” said Lt. Mike Ceperley, emergency management coordinator for Northwest. “Winter Awareness Day reminds everyone that extreme cold temperatures are nothing to take lightly during coming months. We can’t stop winter storms or extreme cold from happening, but we can take a few moments to make sure we are properly prepared for their effects.”
Northwest and emergency management organizations across Missouri remind residents that extreme cold temperatures are a danger during winter months. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia or, in extreme cases, death. In fact, excessive cold is one of the leading weather-related causes of death across the country. Infants and the elderly are most susceptible to extreme cold. Freezing temperatures also cause damage to crops and property.
When dealing with winter weather, emergency management experts offer these tips:
Dress for the conditions: Wear several layers of light-weight, warm clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiring and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, waterproof and hooded. For the hands, mittens, snug at the wrists, offer better protection than fingered gloves.
Make a plan: Have an emergency plan in place, and do as much as possible before an emergency happens. Whether at home or traveling, determine how you will communicate with others and develop an emergency communications plan that includes communication methods and individuals to call.
Update your address book: Add emergency contacts, current work and school numbers and information for emergency services. Designate an out-of-state or out-of-area contact in the event family members cannot immediately communicate locally.
Put together a kit: Make a preparedness kit or review your existing kit with winter weather in mind. Kits might contain bottled water, high calorie non-perishable food items, a battery powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries and a first aid kit. Make a winter car kit to keep in the trunk of a vehicle as well. This kit might include a sleeping bag or blanket, high calorie food items, a first aid kit, a rain coat, gloves, a spare radio with batteries, jumper cables, flares and a shovel and sand to give tires traction.
It is also important to keep updated on weather forecasts and understand the difference between a watch and a warning. Evaluate current conditions and expected conditions, and take those into consideration when making travel plans. Also, know where to go for further information about what to do and where to go during an actual emergency.
Winter storm watch: Indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area within 12 to 48 hours.
Winter storm warning: Indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected immediately, and that it can be life threatening.
Ice storm warning: Issued for ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more.