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Winter Weather Awareness 2004
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though some portions of the state have already experienced their first
winter precipitation this season, it’s not too late for all of Oklahoma
to become winter weather prepared. Toward that effort, the Oklahoma
Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has joined the National
Weather Service (NWS) in recognizing Wednesday, Dec. 1 as Winter
Weather Awareness Day.
With winter weather comes the need to prepare your home, automobile and
family to deal with the colder temperatures, as well as the possibility
for snow and ice.
“It’s especially timely to review winter weather travel safety plans
since more people will be on the road during the holiday period,”
explained OEM Director Albert Ashwood. “Before setting out on a holiday
trip we encourage families to make sure they have prepared their
automobile. Packing blankets, emergency food and water, flashlights, a
radio and cell phone with extra batteries will help you and your
family, should you become stranded because of the weather,” he said.
It’s also important to remember to protect your home. Adding weather
stripping and insulation, keeping furnaces clean and ready to use, and
being aware of cold temperatures and vulnerable pipes that might freeze
mark just some of the actions that can help prevent major and costly
winter weather-related damage.
In recent years Oklahoma has experienced some devastating ice storms.
The storms were responsible for nearly 40 deaths, power outages for
hundreds of thousands and more than $250 million in damages to cities
and towns. “By following some simple tips and monitoring the media
during times of severe weather, Oklahomans stand their best chance at
not becoming a victim of the weather” said Rick Smith, warning
coordination meteorologist with the NWS Office at Norman.
Winter weather watches and warnings will be issued by the NWS on NOAA
Weather Radios and over radio and television stations so that
Oklahoman’s can stay aware of any hazardous winter weather conditions
that may arise.
In addition, OEM is teaming up with local emergency management offices
across the state in order to encourage winter weather preparedness
activities in all Oklahoma communities. Individuals or groups who would
like to host a program to help become better prepared for the next
storm should call their local emergency management office.
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