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Winter weather just around the corner

Jan 25, 2010 | Sarah Schulz | The Grand Island Independent

Though the temperatures have been warm lately, this is the time of year to begin thinking about winter weather safety.

In fact, today is Winter Weather Awareness Day in Nebraska.

"It could snow tomorrow," said Mitch Beaumont, spokesman for AAA Nebraska.

He laughed as he spoke about how quickly the weather in Nebraska can change. It is that quick turnaround that requires one to be prepared at home and on the road.

Jon Rosenlund, Grand Island/Hall County emergency management director, said people in Central Nebraska only have to think back to last year's ice storms to understand the significant hazard of winter storms.

"Winter storms are especially dangerous when combinations of ice, snow and wind contribute to power outages, property damage and transportation accidents," he said. "Combine these hazards with exposure to such cold temperatures and you can have a real emergency on your hands."

According to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, everyone should have a plan that enables them to survive for up to three days without outside assistance. That winter storm plan should include having extra blankets on hand, and having a warm coat, gloves, hats and water-resistant boots for each family member.

A disaster supplies kit should also be assembled and should include a first-aid kit, essential medications, a weather radio and portable radio with batteries, a flashlight, canned food and a manual can opener, and bottled water, according to NEMA.

Many of those same supplies should fill a vehicle emergency kit as well.

Beaumont said that in addition to blankets, warm clothing and nonperishable food items common hand tools, jumper cables, clean rags or paper towels, duct tape, flares, engine oil, radiator coolant, fire extinguisher, a small shovel, snow brush/ice scraper, a container of sand for traction, an empty coffee can with matches and candles, and a pocketknife are all good things to keep in the trunk during the winter months.

It is also important to clear a vehicle off completely before driving, both so you can see and so snow doesn't blow into another motorist's line of sight.

A cell phone is also an invaluable tool, he said.

"Make sure to keep the battery charged because you can't always keep the car running," he said.

A cell phone can be used to dial *55, which is the Nebraska State Patrol's helpline, or 511 for road conditions, he said. The 511 road conditions system can also be accessed through the State Patrol's Web site.

Beaumont said many of the problems drivers encounter could be easily avoided if they would "call ahead, plan ahead and think ahead" before taking to the roads. Drive only when necessary and be aware of danger spots, such as bridges and shady areas, that tend to become slick when the weather is snowy or icy, he said.

"Safety is the obvious goal," Beaumont said.

State Patrol Troop C Capt. Chris Kolb agrees.

He said the road condition information on 511 is updated regularly by the patrol and the Nebraska Department of Roads. Both agencies also use permanent and portable message boards on major roadways to give motorists advance warning of road closures or lanes being shut down, he said.

The mistakes motorists make most often when driving in inclement weather are going too fast for conditions and using cruise control. It is best to operate a vehicle manually when the weather is bad because cruise control doesn't know the difference between a dry surface and a wet one. A person has the ability to let off the gas pedal when a vehicle begins to loose traction and can adjust speeds as necessary, he said.

Drivers should avoid sudden starts, stops and turns, all of which could send a vehicle into a skid, Beaumont said. He also suggested that young drivers, who have little or no experience driving on ice or snow, should have their driving privileges restricted until they have an opportunity to learn safe winter driving techniques.

If someone finds themselves stuck in the snow, they should conserve fuel by only running the vehicle periodically after first making sure the tailpipe isn't obstructed by snow or ice. They should then call for help and try to stay warm, Kolb said.