Arlington, TX

The cooler temperatures and dreary rain made today feel like winter, unlike last week when we were in the 70’s and 80’s and hitting record highs. It hasn’t felt much like Christmas with those temps!

The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service have declared Tuesday, December 11, 2007 as Winter Weather Awareness Day. Arlington’s Emergency Management Department is helping citizens prepare for the colder weather by giving tips on how to stay safe when (or if) the snow and ice arrive.  

About 70 percent of snow and ice related deaths occur in automobiles. To help keep you and your family safe, the Emergency Management Department suggest that you keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines and carry a “Survival Kit” with you. Them”Survival Kit” should include:

• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Radio, flashlight, extra batteries, booster cables
• First-aid kit
• High-calorie, non-perishable food and bottled water
• Extra clothing, including mittens and hat
• Sack of sand or cat litter for de-icing roadway
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit, tow rope and shovel
• Cell phone or two-way radio.

You shouls also be prepared at home or work with additional supplies in case of power and/or phone outages:

• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio, extra batteries
• Extra medicine, medical supplies and items needed by babies or the elderly
• Heating fuel for areas where fuel carriers may not be able to get through
• Properly ventilated emergency heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater
• Fire extinguisher and smoke detector
• Extra food and water

Listen for updated weather statements on the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration weather radio or visit www.weather.gov/fortworth.

So far we haven’t needed these tips, but you never know about the weather in Texas. It can change from minute to minute. Keep warm and stay safe!

 Source