Dangers Of Winter Storms

From hypothermia, traffic accidents and accidental deaths, there are many dangers associated with winter storms.  However, most deaths are not directly related to the storm itself:

• People die in traffic accidents on slick, icy roads.
• People die of hypothermia from exposure to the cold.
• People die from carbon monoxide exposure from improper ventilation of alternative heat sources, like generators.
• People die of heart attacks from overexerting themselves while shoveling snow, pushing a car or walking in the snow.

One of the most important things Oklahomans can do to protect themselves, their family, homes and pets during a snow event is to prepare.  Just in case a winter storm brings widespread power outage it is important to have emergency supplies on hand in your home. Your household emergency kit should include:

• Cell Phone
• First Aid Kit And Essential Medications
• Battery-Powered NOAA Weather Radio (click here for weather radio transmitter frequencies)
• Flashlight
• Extra Batteries
• Canned Food And Can Opener
• At Least Three Days Of Bottled Water, (One Gallon Of Water Per Person A Day)
• Extra Blankets
• Extra Warm Clothing, Including A Warm Coat, Gloves, Boots And A Hat

It is also important to be prepared if you are stranded alongside the road during severe winter weather.  Your roadside kit should include:

• Blankets
• Extra Winter Clothes And Boots
• Bottled Water
• Non-Perishable Food And A Can Opener
• Special Needs Items (Diapers, Medications)
• Flashlight Or Lantern
• Battery Powered Radio And Extra Batteries
• Extra Batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Booster Cables
• Tow Rope
• Tool Kit
• Windshield Scraper
• Fire Extinguisher (5 Lb., A-B-C Type)
• Tire Repair Kit And Pump
• Sand Or Cat Litter
• Maps
• Shovel
• Flares