[Eoscstudents] Winter Storm Safety Tips

[Alton Jones]

All,

A Winter Storm Watch issued February 01 at 4:07AM CST until February 04 at
12:00AM CST by NWS Tulsa

Adair; Cherokee; Choctaw; Craig; Creek; Delaware; Haskell; Latimer; Le
Flore; Mayes; McIntosh; Muskogee; Nowata; Okfuskee; Okmulgee; Osage;
Ottawa; Pawnee; Pittsburg; Pushmataha; Rogers; Sequoyah; Tulsa; Wagoner;
Washington

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Precipitation starts off as
freezing rain, then transitions to sleet and eventually snow as the event
progresses. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 7 inches are
possible, with a tenth of an inch to an inch of this just sleet
accumulation. Ice accumulations between a light glaze near the Kansas
border up to near three tenths of an inch across southeast Oklahoma and the
terrain of northwest Arkansas are possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central, northeast and southeast Oklahoma and
northwest and west central Arkansas.

* WHEN...From late Tuesday night through Thursday evening.

* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are possible due to the ice.
Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous driving conditions will
disrupt daily life later this week with threats to life and property
possible.

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation and ALL EOSC
social media for any campus closures and updates. Make checking the
forecast part of your regular routine so you'll know when to expect cold
weather.

Adjust Your Schedule: If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid being
outside during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning.
Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting for the school bus
outside.

Students make plans for possible campus closure.  That the campus dining
facility plans on being open in the event of a campus closure, however, it
is a good idea to have at least three days’ worth of food and water on
hand.  Also, keep in mind, as history has taught us, if conditions get so
cold the power companies may begin “Rolling Blackouts”, to alleviate the
chances of this occurring please refrain from any unnecessary electricity
usage (i.e. leaving lights, and other electronic devices on, and doing
laundry).

Protect Your Pets, Livestock and other Property: If you have pets or farm
animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water, and are not overly
exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not
freeze. Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.

Travel is not recommended, however, if you MUST travel, fill up the tank
prior to this winter event: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a
half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm
if you become stranded.

Dress for the outdoors even if you don't think you'll be out much.

Update Your Winter Car Survival Kit: Make sure your car survival kit has
the following:

Antifreeze: Make sure you have the antifreeze checked in your vehicles.

Jumper cables: flares or reflective triangle are great extras

Flashlights: Replace the batteries before the winter season starts and pack
some extras

First Aid Kit: Also check your purse of bag for essential medications

Baby, special needs gear: If you have a baby or family member with special
needs, pack diapers and any special formula or food

Food: Stock non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, dry
cereal and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars

Water: Have at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days

Basic toolkit: Pliers, wrench, screwdriver

Pet supplies: Food and water

Radio: Battery or hand cranked

Cat litter or sand: For better tire traction

Shovel: To dig out snow

Ice scraper: Even if you usually park in a garage, have one in the car.

Clothes: Make sure you dress for the weather in warm clothes, gloves, hat,
sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold

Warmers: Pack extra for body, hands, feet

Blankets or sleeping bags: If you get stranded in traffic on a lonely road,
you'll be glad to have it.

Charged Cell Phone: Keep a spare charger in your car as well

Thank you for taking time to review these recommendations and stay safe.



-- 
Alton L. Jones
Director of Public Safety
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Phone: 918-465-1739
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