November
Safety Spotlight:
Wrapping-up Wisconsin's Winter Awareness Week
Governor Doyle declared November 10 – 14 Winter Awareness Week
in Wisconsin, complete with Snow Plow Driver Appreciation Day this past
Wednesday. The following is information sent from the Governor’s
office regarding winter safety.
The annual campaign sponsored by Wisconsin Emergency Management and
NOAA’s National Weather Service helps remind people to be prepared
for winter conditions that could threaten their safety. Winter storms
are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly
related to the storm such as traffic accidents on icy roads or people
dying from prolonged exposure to the cold.
It is important to start taking preventive measures for winter weather.
Now is the perfect time to winterize your car and home, gather items
for a disaster kit, and make sure you have a NOAA Weather Radio All
Hazards, or a commercial radio with fresh batteries.
Winter Facts
-
Typically there are around 17,000 vehicle accidents in Wisconsin during
winter months when roads are covered with ice, snow or slush.
-
On average in Wisconsin, about 75 people are killed and 7,000 people
are injured each winter season in accidents when roads are ice, snow
or slush covered.
-
Many crashes are caused by “driving too fast for current conditions.”
Also when the first blast of winter arrives, motorists often need
to “re-learn” how to drive in slippery conditions.
-
Heavy rains and snowmelt in late winter or early spring can result
in flooded roads. Turn Around—Don’t Drown!
Winter Driving
Plan your travels and check the latest weather reports to avoid the
storm. You can find out the latest road conditions by going to the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation website at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov.
It is also important to check and winterize your vehicles before the
winter season begins. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the
tank and fuel lines. Carry a winter storm survival kit in your vehicle
that includes:
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-Aid Kit
• Shovel, tools, booster cables and windshield scraper
• High-calorie non-perishable food
• Sand or cat litter to use for traction
Keep
Safe - Stay Informed
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues storm warnings and watches.
Here’s what they mean and what you should do.
Winter
Storm Watch - Winter storm conditions (heavy snow, sleet and
freezing rain) are possible within the next 36-48 hours. Continue monitoring
the weather forecast.
Winter
Storm or Ice Storm Warning - A significant winter event is
occurring or will begin in the next 24 hours. The combination of snow,
sleet, freezing rain, and moderate winds will impact travel and outdoor
activities. Take necessary precautions—consider canceling travel
plans.
Blizzard
Warning - Winds that are 35 mph or greater, blowing snow with
reduced visibility to 1/4 mile or less for a duration of at least 3
hours.
What
is possible - Residents can expect almost anything - ranging
from killer dense fog and flooding rains to widespread heavy snows and
blizzards that can isolate a village/city for days. The only month without
a tornado in Wisconsin is February! Be ready!
Wisconsin
Winter Weather Facts – From the National Weather Service
- The
coldest temperature in the winter of 2007-08 was -37 at Clam Lake
(Sawyer Co.) on December 6, 2007.
- Gurney
(Iron Co.) had the most snow with 147 inches, while Alma (Buffalo
Co.) had the least with 39.5 inches. Many locations in southern Wisconsin,
in the winter of 2007-08, set new, all-time seasonal snowfall records
(200-240% of normal), and West Allis (Milwaukee Co.) received 122.1
inches!
- Wisconsin’s
all-time, lowest temperature is -55 F on Feb. 2 & 4, 1996, near
Couderay (Sawyer Co.). Readings of -30 F or colder have been recorded
in every month from November through April. Of course, readings in
the 50’s, 60's and 70’s are also possible.
- Average
annual snowfall ranges from 35 to 40 inches near the Illinois border
to 150 to 165 inches in the Iron County snow-belt from Gurney to Hurley.
Official
snowfall records
- Greatest
daily total - Neillsville, 26.0 inches of snow on Dec 27, 1904.
- Greatest
single storm total - Superior, 31.0 inches Oct 31-Nov. 2, 1991.
- Greatest
monthly total - Hurley, 103.5 inches Jan. 1997.
- Greatest
seasonal total - Hurley, 301.8 inches in 1996-97 winter season.
- Deepest
snow on ground (excluding drifts) - Hurley, 60.0 inches on Jan. 30,
1996.
Keep
Warm and Safe
Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme
cold. A wind chill of –20° Fahrenheit (F) could cause frostbite
in just 15 minutes or less. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a
white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear tips
or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected—Seek medical
care immediately!
Hypothermia
is a condition that develops when the body temperature drops below 95°F.
It is very deadly. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, disorientation,
slurred speech and drowsiness. Seek medical care immediately!
Overexertion
is dangerous. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart.
Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring
on a heart attack or make an existing medical condition worse.
Pets also
need extra care when the temperatures fall. They should be brought inside
when the temperature reaches 30° with wind chill. Dogs and cats
can get frost bitten ears, nose and feet if left outside during bitter
cold weather. Chemicals used to melt snow and ice can also irritate
pets’ paws and be sure to keep anti-freeze, salt and other poisons
away from pets as well.
Be
Prepared
Some of the dangers associated with winter storms include loss of heat,
power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies. To help protect
your family now is the time to put together a disaster supply kit. Here
are some items to include:
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a commercial radio
• Non-perishable food that requires no cooking and bottled water
• First-aid supplies
• Fire extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector
• If appropriate, extra medications and baby items
• If you have an emergency heating source, such as a fireplace
or space heater --make sure you have proper ventilation
• Make sure pets have plenty of food, water and shelter
For additional information, contact your county emergency management
office, the National Weather Service or Wisconsin Emergency Management
at (608) 242-3232. Winter safety tips along with developing your own
personal preparedness plan and an emergency kit can also be found at
the following websites:
Wisconsin
Safety Council
www.weather.gov
http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov
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