Don't Get Caught in the Cold-Prepare For Winter Weather
This is an excellent time for families, communities, schools, and businesses to learn more about winter weather terms and safety rules and review their winter storm preparedness plans.
The National Weather Service, in partnership with the Utah Department of Public Safety, Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Department of Transportation, the American Red Cross, and Utah State Parks and Recreation providez winter weather preparedness information.
In an average year, winter weather is directly or indirectly involved in 400,000 vehicular accidents in the United States, leading to 1,300 fatalities. Add to that, loss of life due to avalanches and exposure to cold, plus billions of dollars in economic losses, and it is clear that winter weather is a significant threat. The goals of the campaign are to educate the citizens of Utah on winter's hazards, to help everyone be prepared before severe winter weather strikes, and to have an understanding of winter weather terms and safety rules. Families, communities, schools, and businesses should follow these three basic preparedness steps.
Make a plan...Create a disaster plan, practice it, and adhere to it.
Get a kit...Prepare a disaster supply kit, complete with the essentials needed to survive an emergency. Details on what to include in the kit can be found on the Be Ready Utah web site at http://beready.utah.gov.
Be informed...Check out the latest weather forecast and road conditions before venturing out.
Get involved.