State Emergency Operations Center activates preparations

CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published 08-Feb-2011

At 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, CapitolBeatOK received this communication from the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC):

In preparation for the approaching severe winter storm, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) are working with local emergency managers, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, FEMA, American Red Cross, Salvation Army and numerous other emergency response, recovery partners in planning for the storm’s arrival.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

A winter storm warning remains posted for nearly all of Oklahoma through Wednesday. Widespread, 4-6 inches of snow is expected in the warned area with isolated amounts of up to 10 inches in some areas. Strong winds will create blowing snow and low visibility and may result in snow drifts of 2-3 feet. Bitterly cold temperatures will return and last through Thursday. Wind chills will be at or below zero Wednesday creating dangerous exposure conditions. A warm up is anticipated for the weekend.

Oklahomans should make preparations now.

Oklahomans are urged to take the steps now to prepare for the storm’s anticipated arrival later today. Once the storm arrives, please heed the recommendation of public safety and transportation officials regarding travel conditions.

Have A Plan:

•      Understand the hazards of wind chill. Cold temperatures are even more dangerous, and potentially deadly, when combined with strong winds. The lower the temperature and stronger the wind, the more at risk you are.

•      Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly. Make sure they are prepared.

•      Plan to bring pets inside during winter weather. Move livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

•      Install and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

•      Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing and know how to shut off water valves if necessary.

•      Keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

Make A Kit:

•      A cell phone with charger and a battery powered radio.

•      Windshield scraper, deicer, snow shovel and small broom for ice and snow removal.

•      Several blankets or sleeping bags.

•      Rain gear, warm coats and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a cap.

•      Non-perishable snacks like dried fruit, nuts and other high energy “munchies.

•      Several bottles of water. Eating snow will lower your body temperature so melt it first.

•      Sand or cat litter for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains.

•      Jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit and brightly colored cloth to tie to antenna if you get stranded.

Stay Informed:

•      Know what National Weather Service winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings mean.

•      A winter storm watch is a message indicating a winter storm is possible in your area.

•      A winter storm warning indicates a winter storm is occurring winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area and could threaten life and property.

•      A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow is expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

•      Depend on your NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio, along with local radio and television stations, for weather reports.