Officials urge residents to be prepared for winter weather

A Taney County Road is covered in ice in this February file photo.
file photo | Branson Tri-Lakes News

By Mindy Honey
Society Editor
Originally published Nov. 18, 2009

The recent cooler temperatures and the chance of snow are signs that winter weather is just around the corner.

“Since we are fast approaching the winter season, this is the perfect time for our citizens to get prepared for winter snow and freezing temperatures,” said Carl Sparks, Branson fire chief and emergency management director. “Winter storms in the Ozarks may range from a deep freeze, icing conditions with freezing rain, moderate snow over a few hours, to blizzard conditions. The aftermath of any of these may impact our community for days or even weeks.”

In late January this year, a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow closed roads and schools and knocked out power to thousands.

In 2007, the Springfield area was hit hard. The National Weather Service described the ice storm as one of the greatest disasters to ever impact southwest Missouri. Several counties, mainly along and north of the I-44 corridor, experienced ice accumulations up to two and a half inches. Power outages and catastrophic tree damage resulted from this historic event.

At least 200,000 residents of southwest Missouri were left without power for up to three weeks. Estimated damage costs exceeded $300 million.

This year, the National Weather Service is predicting above-normal temperatures and near-to-slightly-above-normal precipitation across the region this winter. However, the Ozarks will still experience a variety of winter weather conditions from mild spells to bitter cold.

In an effort to remind people to be prepared for more storms, the National Weather Service and the Missouri Highway Patrol, as well as other state and local emergency management agencies, have designated today as Missouri Winter Weather Awareness Day.

Chief Sparks urges residents to become familiar with terms commonly used by the National Weather Service. A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect the area. A winter storm warning indicates severe weather conditions are definitely on the way and to take precautions. The term ice storm warning is issued when ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more may be expected.

He said people should be prepared at home with a radio and fresh batteries and rock salt to melt snow on sidewalks or driveways, as well as securing an alternate fuel source, insulating attics and installing storm windows and winterizing the family car.

It’s a good idea to keep a winter car kit in the trunk including a blanket, hat and gloves, flashlight, booster cables and a first aid kit, Sparks added.

For those using fossil fuels such as propane, natural gas or kerosene, firefighters urge people to have a carbon monoxide detector in the home and check smoke detectors monthly.

All Hazard Risk Radio, commonly known as a severe weather alert radio, is a way to get instant weather information. Weather radios, if purchased with the Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.) may be programmed to alert for key weather information in a specific county.

During a cold snap, frostbite and hypothermia become a major health concern for everyone, especially small children and the elderly.

“We encourage people to wear several layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing,” said Division Chief Ted Martin. “Most importantly, wear gloves or mittens along with a hat. Both will prevent body heat loss in two areas of the body that lose heat most rapidly.”

Frostbite and hypothermia are real problems in the winter. Since 1979, there have been 462 hypothermia-related deaths in Missouri.

Hypothermia is a condition when the body’s core temperature is less than 35 degrees centigrade. Some symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory loss, stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion. Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. Symptoms include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose or earlobes.

If someone suspects a person is suffering from either frostbite or hypothermia, they should first call for emergency medical services then start warming the victim before help arrives. Warm the person’s trunk first with blankets or your own body. Arms and legs should be warmed last since stimulation of these extremities can drive affected blood to the heart and lead to heart failure. A person with frostbite or hypothermia should not be given caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine makes the heart beat faster and will hasten the effects of the cold on the body. Alcohol can slow the heart and hasten the ill effects of cold body temperature.

Anyone who must drive in a storm should allow more time to get to a destination. A person caught in a vehicle in dangerous winter conditions should remain in the car and wait for help.