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Winter Safety Awareness Week
Nov. 13-19, 2011 |
Winter weather can be dangerous if you are not prepared.
For this reason, the governors of
Ohio,
Indiana,
and Kentucky
have proclaimed this week Winter Safety Awareness Week.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio, along
with its partners in state and local government, will be
participating in this campaign to remind citizens of winter's
hazards and to educate everyone on how to stay safe.
Consider these winter weather statistics:
Over the past decade, an average of 62 people nationwide
lost their lives each year as a direct result of winter storms
and cold. This is more than the average number of people who
were killed each year by tornadoes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
hundreds of people nationwide are killed each year and many more
are injured in winter-related motor vehicle accidents.
Winter weather hazards that affect the Ohio Valley include:
- Snow, sleet, and freezing rain/drizzle
- Blizzards
- Ice storms
- High winds
- Blowing and drifting snow
- Extreme cold and frigid wind chills
- Flooding
- Dense fog
Each day this week, we will be posting winter weather
preparedness information on this page and also on
our
Facebook page. While the National Weather Service,
local media, and public officials are here to help you
prepare and to keep you informed, remember that you are
ultimately responsible for your safety and that of your
loved ones. Take time to prepare before hazardous
winter weather strikes. Don't wait until it is too late!
Additional information is available through the following links:
Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Kentucky Division of Emergency Management
American Red Cross
National Weather Service Winter Weather Safety Awareness Page
Official 2011-2012 Winter Weather Outlook
WINTER SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK TOPICS:
Sunday, November 13, 2011 - Introduction
This week has been declared Winter Safety Awareness Week in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With winter right around the corner, now is the time to prepare your family, vehicles, homes, schools, and workplaces for the hazards associated with winter weather. Find helpful information and tips at weathersafety.ohio.gov and getprepared.in.gov.
Monday, November 14, 2011 - Vehicle Preparation
Be sure to winterize your vehicle: check the battery, fluid levels, tire pressure and tread depth, brakes, hoses, belts, and wiper blades. It is a good idea to keep the gas tank at least half full at all times during the winter to prevent fuel lines from freezing. For winter driving tips and a list of items to pack in your vehicle's winter emergency kit, visit Indiana's Department of Homeland Security website.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 - In Case of a Power Outage
Recent prolonged power outages in the Northeast caused by a rare late-October snowstorm should serve as a reminder of how serious the impacts of a winter storm can be. Every home should have a basic emergency supply kit that contains plenty of water, nonperishable food, blankets, flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a first-aid kit. Find more information at Ohio's severe weather awareness website.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - Heating Equipment Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the second leading cause of reported home fires and home fire deaths/injuries. If not used properly, some alternative heating sources can also result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn about space heater and fireplace safety at this website from the Indiana Dept. of Homeland Security.
Thursday, November 17, 2011 - Wind Chill
Even a light wind enhances the chilling effect of cold temperatures. With just a 5 mph wind, a temperature of zero becomes the equivalent of 11 below zero. Increase those winds to 30 mph and the effect would be equal to a frigid minus 26 degrees! Protection against frostbite is necessary when venturing out into frigid temperatures and blustery winds. As shown in this wind chill chart, exposed skin can freeze in a matter of minutes.
Friday, November 18, 2011 - Health Precautions
Exposure to winter weather can become life-threatening if proper precautionary measures are not taken. Infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions are especially susceptible to the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia. Cold weather also puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed, strenuous activities such as shoveling snow or pushing a stuck car can lead to a heart attack. Find important winter health and safety tips here.
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - National Weather Service Products
This is the last day of Winter Safety Awareness Week. The National Weather Service, along with its partners in state and local government and the American Red Cross, urge you to take time to prepare for the upcoming winter. The National Weather Service issues outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories for all types of winter weather hazards. The latest information and forecasts can be found on our website and are also continuously broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio. Download this National Weather Service winter weather preparedness guide full of useful information.
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www.nws.noaa.gov
