As we brace for one of the coldest outbreaks in decades set to strike mid-week, area emergency preparedness agencies urge you to look out for yourself, your neighbors, and especially the elderly — whether they are a loved one, a neighbor or a stranger. And don’t forget to provide extra care and shelter for your pets as well!
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“Basically hunker down,” advises the staff at Daviess County Central 911. “Thankfully, it should be a short-lived event!”
The weather forecasters are calling for temperatures to get back up in the forties over the weekend. But who knows what February will bring? It’s always good to be reminded of some basic cares for severe weather outbreaks.
- Have a plan on where to go (neighbor, family, etc.) in case electricity or furnace goes out, pipes freeze, etc., suggests Central 911.
- The Active Aging Resource Center in Gallatin reminds you that it is a warming station from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Have dinner at the center, chat with friends, just hang out.
- Daviess County schools will be monitoring conditions to keep students, faculty, and staff safe. Parents can stay in close communication with school districts as weather conditions change by checking district websites or contacting their school office to be sure they know how to receive official notifications.
- The Gallatin Police Department advises you to watch out for frostbite. Frostbite on exposed skin is possible in 30 minutes in the below freezing wind chills. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Wear a hat, because much of your body heat can be lost from your head.
Gravel roads
Daviess County Central 911 has received several calls regarding the ice/snow conditions on gravel roads. Your township is responsible for maintaining gravel roads, not MoDOT or Daviess County. If you have concerns, contact your township board members or maintainer operator. If you do not know who to call, you can contact the Daviess County Clerk at 660-663-3300, Ext. #5 for that information.
Portable heaters
Area fire departments caution you to turn off portable heaters whenever leaving the room or going to bed and have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around space heaters and fireplaces. Keep anything that can burn outside the three foot zone, too.
Never overload extension cords or outlets. Never use an oven or other cooking devices to heat your home.
Make sure all heating devices are properly ventilated, and always operate a generator outdoors and at least 20 feet away from any window, door, or vent in your home.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause flu-like illness or death. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen during extremely cold weather when individuals try warming their homes through unconventional methods. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 immediately and get the victim to fresh air.
Check on seniors
Daviess County Health Department asks you to be sure and check-in on seniors to make sure their homes have heat, the fridge is stocked, and prescriptions are filled. It’s tough enough to cope with this weather, but our seniors face even more danger. A quick visit to an elderly neighbor could save their life.
Nearly half of all hypothermia deaths happen to people over age 65. Many of these deaths can occur right in their own homes because seniors don’t feel the dip in degrees due to dementia or medication that can affect awareness.
Travel decisions
The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges everyone to pay attention to changing weather conditions and make smart decisions regarding travel. If conditions dictate, avoid driving on Missouri’s roadways. If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is completely clean from snow and ice, use your headlights to increase visibility, and reduce your speed when the roadway appears wet or snow is present.
Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol suggests keeping your fuel tank at least half full. Having an ice scraper, battery booster cables, blankets, extra coats, gloves, water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, flashlight, small shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk can help in an emergency. It only takes one traffic crash to close a roadway for several hours. Being prepared is critical.
Before you travel, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and keep it with you. The Missouri State Highway Patrol emergency number is 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). These numbers ring at the nearest troop headquarters.
Motorists should check road conditions before driving to help determine if the trip can be completed safely. Consulting Missouri’s Road Condition Report (1-888-275-6636) or MoDOT’s Road Condition Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/ can provide the most current road condition information available.