It's time to prepare for winter.
Technically, it's not coming for another 20 days. But here in Missouri, we know it could come any time. Or not at all.
Don't look to the extended forecasts for clarity. A weather expert at the University of Missouri said to expect cooler temperatures and up to 15 inches of snow in Mid-Missouri. (We've had recent winters with more snow in a single snowfall.) The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts the winter will be mild and snowy.
Good Housekeeping, meanwhile, says this winter will be "extra awful," with Great Plains' states facing "especially frigid temps," according to its AccuWeather source.
So what are we to do? Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. The Missouri Department of Public Safety offers these places to start:
Create a family emergency plan and an emergency kit. Emergency supplies should include bottled water, canned and dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first-aid kit. When power outages are possible, charge cellphones and other devices in advance so you are able to communicate if power is lost.
Assemble a separate vehicle winter emergency kit. Include a blanket, radio with spare batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, flares, shovel and sand or shingles to give tires traction.
Know the risks of exposure to cold temperatures. Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible, and limit time spent outdoors in frigid temperatures.
Avoid driving whenever possible when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, make sure an emergency kit is in the vehicle, cellphones are charged and emergency numbers are saved for fast dialing. Check on road conditions in advance on the Missouri Department of Transportation's Traveler Info Map: http://traveler.modot.org/map/. If your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road, stay with your vehicle and call or wait for help.
Make sure alternate heat and power sources, such as fireplaces, wood stoves, kerosene heaters and generators function properly.
Space heaters account for about one-third of home heating fires and 80 percent of home heating fire deaths annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These devices are supplemental heating sources and should be turned off when leaving a room or going to bed. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heating equipment. Never overload extension cords or electrical outlets. Spaces heaters never should be used in place of a primary heating system.
This past January, state officials warned about the importance of being prepared for severe winter weather. Shortly thereafter, freezing rain and ice struck. Missourians responded by limiting travel and taking other precautions - and the result was fewer crashes and fatalities.
This winter, let's continue that trend.
News Tribune