Press Releases
10/15/2009 | PEMA URGES CITIZENS TO PREPARE FOR EARLY WINTER STORM HEAVY, WET SNOW EXPECTED ACROSS NORTHERN TIER
Harrisburg — With the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and National Weather Service Winter monitoring an early season storm that could bring up to 12 inches of snow across higher elevations and the state's northern tier by Saturday morning, PEMA officials want to ensure the public is ready for winter weather.
"The National Weather Service has issued several winter storm advisories, watches and warnings," said PEMA Director Robert P. French. "As a result, PEMA has reached out to other state and local agencies to make sure that we're ready to respond to keep citizens safe."
French said several inches of wet, heavy snow bring the threat of downed trees and power lines, which could interrupt the power supply to homes and businesses and block roadways.
Citizens are urged to monitor the storm and avoid travel if conditions warrant staying off the roads. If travel is necessary, drivers can get up-to-date roadway conditions by calling 511 or visiting www.511PA.com.
511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, average traffic speeds on urban interstates and access to more than 440 traffic cameras. Starting in November, 511 will provide simple to use, color-coded winter road conditions for all interstates and other routes covered in the 511 reporting network.
"The inconvenience and hardship that often result from a winter storm can be lessened if you take the time to be prepared," said French.
Emergency-management officials urge residents to take the following precautions when outside driving or shoveling snow:
- Make sure tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that vehicles be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs to drive on their roads.
- Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.
- Winter car kit, which could include: flashlights with extra batteries, first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, several blankets, matches, extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap, small shovel, small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver), brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
- Keep a full tank of gas during the winter season.
- Travel during daylight and don't travel alone.
- Make sure someone knows your arrival times and routes.
- Store a supply of high-energy snacks and several bottles of water.
- If outdoors dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting, layered clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellant. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other.
- If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up. Also take frequent breaks.
- Avoid overexertion. 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 other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Stay dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
The early-season storm also serves as a reminder to citizens to prepare for winter storms before they happen. The state's ReadyPA campaign encourages individual preparedness for all emergencies with the theme, "Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved." Families and individuals should have a home emergency kit with food, water and other basic necessities to survive without outside assistance for at least three days, as well as a smaller version of a home kit for each vehicle.
For more information on winter weather preparedness, including emergency kit checklists and family emergency plan templates, visit www.ReadyPA.org or call 1-888-9READY-PA.
Media contact: Maria A. Finn, 717-651-2009