ICE! Are You Ready?

Here is what the DPS folks say about being safe when storms are approaching West Texas:

ICE STORM PREPAREDNESS: PLANNING

Winter storms can strand motorists traveling northern routes in Texas, sometimes striking South Texas and coastal areas. When winter storms threaten, monitor broadcast media and NOAA Weather Radio for information. Keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. On icy roads, drive slowly and increase distance required for stopping. Watch for downed trees and power lines across roads. If power is out, treat all intersections as four-way stops. Read More after the Jump.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES FOR VEHICLE

• Blankets/sleeping bags and extra clothing, mittens and hat

• Cell phone, radio, flashlight, extra batteries

• First-aid kit and pocket knife

• High calorie, non perishable food, bottled water

• Sack of sand or cat litter for de-icing roadway

• Windshield scraper, tool kit, booster cables, tow rope and shovel

EMERGENCY TIPS FOR HOME

If heavy ice on power lines cuts utility service, be extremely careful using generators or gas powered equipment. Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible, odorless and deadly. It can build up in a matter of minutes. Do not use generators, charcoal grills or gas grills inside the house, garage or enclosed space. Do not try to heat the house using a gas range or oven. Be prepared at home:

• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, batteries, flashlights, cell phone and chargers, manual can opener

• One-week supply of food, water, medicine, medical supplies and items for special health care needs, babies and the elderly

• Pet supplies, kitty litter or sand for de-icing steps and walkways

• Heating fuel, properly ventilated emergency heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater

• Fire extinguisher, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector

• Warm clothing and extra blankets

For additional winter weather preparedness information, click on:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/

www.redcross.org

www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/winter.html

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Read about Texas Division of Emergency Management online at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem