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January 30, 2010

More winter weather puts wet blanket on area

Ron Booth

DUNCAN — By the time you read this, the Storm of the Century II should have us all iced in for months to come. OK, that’s an exaggeration, but you wouldn’t know that by the way people and organizations were canceling events Wednesday afternoon.

Three days before the storm was to really hit schools and churches were cancelled. Not wanting to wait until it was to late, school was cancelled and the students of the schools must have been ecstatic at the news that Thursday could be spent in leisure instead of in a classroom.

I myself got prepared. Groceries were purchased, and I bought a rick of wood. There is nothing wrong with being prepared.

However, one thing that did make me laugh. One person in Oklahoma City was buying an $800 generator to run his refrigerator. That’s right, even though temperatures are supposed to be below freezing, this gentleman spent a house and car payment on a generator to run his refrigerator.

How about if the power goes out we take an ice chest outside? Then we’ll put our food that needs to be refrigerated in the ice chest. Maybe that’s a bad idea, but it seems like it would work.

One thing that I’m certain of is that if the weather turns as ugly as they say it is going to and I’m going somewhere, Kevin Hook is on speed dial. During the last snowstorm, he got me unstuck three times. Plus, he likes it.

Be careful if the weather turns foul. Here are some tips from redcross.org that can keep you safe in winter weather:

- Stay indoors during the storm.

- If you must go outside, layers of clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Wear gloves or mittens and a hat to prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

- Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.

- If you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work. Take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion – heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.

- Avoid traveling by car, but if you must, keep the gas tank full for emergency use and to keep your fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, the route you are taking, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

- If you do get stuck, stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna for rescuers to see. Start the car and use the heater for about ten minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes don’t back up in the car. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen. As you sit, move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and stay warm. Keep one window open to let in air.

- After the storm, avoid driving until conditions have improved. Help a neighbor who may require special assistance, especially families with infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.



— Ron Booth is the managing editor for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 166, or via e-mail at ron.booth@duncanbanner.com.

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