State promotes awareness as winter creeps in

The National Weather Service is getting ready for the next season, and used Thursday as "Winter Awareness Day" in Iowa.

"This time of year we start looking at winter precipitation becoming an issue," said Ben Moyer, senior meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Des Moines. "We urge people to start thinking about the preparations they need to make to be ready to handle snowfall, including winter weather kits in their car or getting the right materials for around the house to handle removing snow or removing ice."

One of the biggest mistakes Iowans tend to make is the assumption they can still count on safe travel as a storm approaches, according to Moyer. They disregard the true effect of snow and ice on the road or assume the roads have been treated properly. Some drivers lose control simply because they were going too fast when they encounter patches of snow or ice.

"It can change dramatically here," Moyer said. "One thing to be on the lookout for is if you have days that feel quite a bit warmer than normal, well, keep in mind that often means it's going to be followed by extreme cold. Be prepared for conditions to rapidly change."

Moyer uses the Armistice Day blizzard of 1940 as an example.

"People woke up and it was in the 50s and 60s," he said. "It was mild, sunny and people went out hunting. A major storm system came through Iowa during that day. Temperatures fell dramatically and we were down below freezing with heavy snow and sleet falling. A lot of people perished because they weren't prepared for that to occur that day. We don't expect that to sneak up on us in this age, but, still, if people don't pay attention to the forecast in the wintertime, those things can potentially sneak up on us."

Moyer said northwest Iowa is expected to be slightly warmer than average, according to an outlook for December through February.

"That doesn't mean that we won't still have a cold outbreak or two, it just means that, between those cold outbreaks, we should be also expecting some warmer-than-normal temperatures," he said. "It all balances out to be slightly above normal in the end."

Near normal precipitation is expected over the same time frame of December through February.

Travelers should check for advisories ahead of a trip: A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect the area. A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way. A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.

Motorists should listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person. Others should be aware of the planned route and times of arrival.

TIPS FOR THE HOME

٪ Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary traction.

٪ Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.

٪ Winterize your home: Insulate walls and attic, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.

٪ Have disaster supplies on hand including a first-aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a one-week supply of food including items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in the event of a power outage. Other recommended supplies include a one-week supply of any medications, extra blankets and sleeping bags and a fire extinguisher.

٪ Use only the correct fuel for kerosene heaters and follow the manufacturer's

instructions. Refuel outdoors only, and only when cool. Keep your kerosene heater at least 3 feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.

OUTDOORS/TRAVELING

٪ Wear loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing. Layers can be removed to prevent perspiration and chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellant.

٪ If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up before shoveling snow and take frequent breaks.

٪ Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors.

٪ Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and keep dry.

٪ Have a mechanic check the following items on your car: Battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster and oil level.

٪ If stranded, do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards, display a trouble sign and a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood.

٪ Occasionally run engine to keep warm and turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.

٪ Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.