Warnings from Knox County Emergency Management Agency

Don’t drive during the blizzard; but if you have to, take emergency kit

Lynda Clancy
Mon, 01/26/2015 - 2:00pm
(Courtesy National Weather Service)

    The approaching blizzard is anticipated to make travel extremely dangerous, said Knox County Emergency Management Agency, Monday morning, Jan. 26. “Please stay home and off the roads,” the EMA urged, in a news release. “Local Public Works and DOT crews work hard to keep roads passable but understand that in these conditions, they may even have to stop plowing for a time if it is unsafe for them.  If you absolutely must travel, make sure you and your vehicle are properly prepared and you have a survival kit.  The NWS recommends If stranded, stay with your car.”
    The snow is expected to be light in weight, but plenty of it with 18-24 inches-plus possible.  High winds may cause large snow drifts and power outages from downed trees or limbs.  If you use a generator, use it safely.  Learn now how to do that!  Be careful with alternative heating appliances.  Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a silent, but preventable killer!
    Community based Warming Centers will be made available by their host towns if necessary.  Information regarding those openings can easily be determined by calling “211” from any phone or through your town EMA Director.
    Check in on neighbors who might need an extra helping hand.
    “We expect to have the County Emergency Operations Center open to monitor the storm and support communities,” Knox County EMA Director Ray Sisk said.
     Follow Knox EMA on Twitter:  @KnoxCountyEMA
     
    Winter Survival Kit (From the Wisconsin EMA). 
    a shovel
    windshield scraper and small broom
    flashlight with extra batteries
    battery powered radio
    water
    snack food including energy bars
    raisins and mini candy bars
    matches and small candles
    extra hats, socks and mittens
    First aid kit with pocket knife
    Necessary medications
    blankets or sleeping bag
    tow chain or rope
    road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
    booster cables
    emergency flares and reflectors
    fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention
    Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
     

    Kit tips:
    • Reverse batteries in flashlight to avoid accidental switching and burnout.
    • Store items in the passenger compartment in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut.
    • Choose small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold.
    911 tips:
    • If possible, call 911 on your cell phone. Provide your location, condition of everyone in the vehicle and the problem you're experiencing.
    • Follow instructions: you may be told to stay where you are until help arrives.
    • Do not hang up until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next.
    • If you must leave the vehicle, write down your name, address, phone number and destination. Place the piece of paper inside the front windshield for someone to see.

    Survival tips:

    • Prepare your vehicle: Make sure you keep your gas tank at least half full.
    • Be easy to find: Tell someone where you are going and the route you will take.
    • If stuck: Tie a florescent flag (from your kit) on your antenna or hang it out the window. At night, keep your dome light on. Rescue crews can see a small glow at a distance. To reduce battery drain, use emergency flashers only if you hear approaching vehicles. If you're with someone else, make sure at least one person is awake and keeping watch for help at all times.
    • Stay in your vehicle: Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. You might become lost or exhausted. Your vehicle is a good shelter.
    • Avoid Overexertion: Shoveling snow or pushing your car takes a lot of effort in storm conditions. Don't risk a heart attack or injury. That work can also make you hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses insulation value, making you susceptible to hypothermia.
    • Fresh Air: It's better to be cold and awake than comfortably warm and sleepy. Snow can plug your vehicle's exhaust system and cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your car. Only run the engine for 10 minutes an hour and make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow. Keeping a window open a crack while running the engine is also a good idea.
    • Don't expect to be comfortable: You want to survive until you're found.
    • For a complete list of area closings, cancellations and postponements, click to view this page. To add your update, send email to news@penbaypilot.com.

    Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657
     

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