City encourages calm preparation before the storm
The City of Colorado Springs Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is encouraging citizens to prepare for frigid temperatures, predicted for the City this week. According to the National Weather Service, wind chill temperatures could dip well below zero degrees, Fahrenheit.
"The best advice we can give at this point is to stay indoors and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold," said Bret Waters, emergency management director. "Additionally, it is never too late to prepare emergency kits for both home and car."
Warming Shelter Open
Winter Weather Preparation
Waters said it is important to take steps to winterize homes and cars now. "We remind citizens to always carry an emergency supply kit in the car when traveling
Emergency Kits
Waters encourages all residents to prepare emergency supply kits for home and car. During a weather emergency, workers may not be able to respond right away. It may be necessary for residents to survive on their own for some time. All residents should stock enough supplies to last a minimum of three days. Additional information is available at www.springsgov.com (select "Emergency Management" in the City Agencies drop-down menu).
Here are the essential items to assemble:
Home Emergency Supply Kit
Battery or Hand-Powered Radio
Baby/Infant Supplies
Extra Batteries
Water (1 gallon/person/day)
Alternate heat source, if possible Water Purification Tablets
Fully stocked First Aid Kit & Manua
Non-Perishable Foods
Manual Can Opener
Emergency candles
Paper Cups, Plates, & Plastic Utensils
Waterproof/Windproof Matches
Sleeping Bags
Flashlight
Blankets (wool & thermal)
Utility Knife
Extra Clothing
Class ABC Fire Extinguisher
Extra Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses
Essential Medications
Pliers
Personal Hygiene Needs
Wrench (to turn off gas/water)
Personal Toiletries
Duct Tape
Latex Gloves (at least 2 pair)
Plastic Bucket with Tightly-Fitted Lid
Toilet Paper & Towelettes
Plastic Bags & Ties
Paper Towels
Disinfectant and Soap
Improvised Toilet Seat
Pet/Animal Supplies
Car Survival Kit
Maintain at least ½ tank of gas
Shovel
First Aid Kit & Manual
Duct Tape
Class ABC Fire Extinguisher
Flashlight & Batteries
Non-perishable food
Reflectors & Flares
Waterproof Matches & Candles
Bottled Water
Jumper Cables
Bag of Sand
Short Rubber Hose for Siphoning
Blankets or Sleeping Bags
Map & Compass
Tow Rope
Tool Kit
Extra Cell Phone Charger
Special Items
Pet Food and Water
Kitty litter
Baby Formula, Bottles
Powdered Milk
Diapers
Extra Medications
Child's Toy or Stuffed Animal
Denture Needs
Extra clothing/blankets for children
Oxygen
A Glossary of Important Weather Terms
Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees. In areas unaccustomed to freezing temperatures, people who have homes without heat need to take added precautions.
Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected and may be hazardous, especially for motorists.
Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm. Prepare now!
Winter Storm Warning: Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin. Seek shelter!
Wind Advisory: Issued for average wind speeds between 31 and 39 miles an hour, or for frequent wind gusts between 46 and 57 miles an hour.
High Wind Warning: Expected winds will average 40 miles an hour or more for at least 1 hour, or wind gusts will be greater than 58 miles an hour. Trees and power lines can be blown down. A High Wind Warning may be preceded by a High Wind Watch if the strong winds are not expected to occur for at least 12 hours.
Blizzard Warning: Heavy snow and sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility), deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately! Blizzards are the most dangerous of winter storms with conditions that lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and damage to unsupported structures and homes.
Dense Fog Advisory: Issued when fog will reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less over a widespread area.
Wind chill: The wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin by combined effects of wind and cold. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill.
