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eNEWSLETTERS

Winter Safety Tips

As you step outside and feel the cold crisp air brisk across your face, it is a sure sign that winter has arrived.

With snow in the forecast, it is important that you and your family are prepared. You never know when you might find yourself stranded at home or in your car.

Proper Winter Storm Preparation Tips

Create a Winter Survival Kit

It should include;

Non-perishable foods (canned or boxed foods). It is best you have a 3-5 day supply. If you do have refrigerated or frozen foods, put them outside during a power outage.
Manual can opener.
Shovel.
Rock salt- it is recommended to pour some salt on walkways and driveways BEFORE the snow/ice hits.
Have a camp stove or BBQ grill handy.
Matches and candles
Extra blankets and warm clothing.
Flashlights and a battery radio.
- Alternative: self-powered or solar flashlights and radios.
Non-battery household phone.
Bottled H2O- remember the water pump won't work during a power outage.
Extra essential items: o Prescription medicine, diapers, oxygen tanks, baby food, pet food, insulin, toiletries, extra batteries, etc.
Entertainment items:
- Board games, deck of cards, books, arts and crafts, coloring books, etc.

During and After A Winter Storm

Stay informed- make sure you stay tuned to local TV and/or radio stations. If power- outages occur, again, make sure you have a battery-powered radio.
Conserve fuel during a storm- keep your house cooler than normal. Lower the thermostat and close off any unused rooms to save energy.
Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning- If using generators, kerosene heaters, or gas fireplaces, please read the owner's manual! Make sure you have proper ventilation.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- have some great safety tips!
Report downed power lines and broken gas lines.
- SW Missouri City Utility customers call: 1-888-863-9001 or visit: http://www.cityutilities.net/resident/outage.htm
- Springfield, MO Emergency Management: 417-869-6040
Check on others- neighbors, friends, family, and especially the elderly. If there is an emergency, call 911.
Do not park vehicles on snow emergency routes when a snow emergency is declared.
- Watch out where you park your car, snow plows will be out! Check out this video of a car being hit by a snow plow.
- http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/caught-tape-snow-plow-rams-car-9887537
If roads are impassable, be prepared to take public transportation. It is recommended that you try to stay off the roads unless it is completely necessary.
- Springfield, MO- public transit schedule
- http://www.cityutilities.net/transit/transit.htm
Try to be a friendly neighbor and help clear your neighborhood sidewalks.
Avoid overexertion- cold weather can add strain to ones heart. Snow shoveling or trying to push a car can increase the risk of a heart attack or trigger other medical conditions. Please, ask others for help and know your limits.

Stay prepared out there this winter season!

Sources:
http://www.arlingtonva.us/portals/topics/TopicsWeatherSnowTips.aspx
http://www.suite101.com/content/how-to-prepare-for-a-winter-storm-a76944
http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/caught-tape-snow-plow-rams-car-9887537
http://www.greenecountymo.org/oem/index.php
http://www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm

Missouri