DPS reminds Texans to prepare ahead of winter weather
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By Whitney Wyatt/The Red River Sun—
CHILDRESS – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to remind residents to make preparations for potentially hazardous weather to come this season.
“Weather in Texas can be hazardous and unpredictable,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “It’s important to be prepared for winter weather and take steps now to ensure you’re ready for whatever comes your way — be it snow, ice, sleet or freezing temperatures.”
When it comes to winter weather, ensuring vehicles are properly maintained is vitally important, said Texas Department of Transportation Public Information Sargent Dan Buesing. Check the battery, windshield wipers, tire pressure, tire tread and fluid levels, as well as ensure door and trunk locks are lubricated to prevent freezing.
Drivers are encouraged to keep the following emergency supplies in their vehicles: blanket or sleeping bag, extra clothes, gloves, hat, cell phone, radio, flashlight, extra batteries, phone charging cord, first aid kit, pocketknife, high-calorie, non-perishable food, bottled water, bag of sand or cat litter to provide traction for tires, windshield scraper, tool kit, booster cables, tow rope, shovel and jumper cables.
Buesing also provided tips on how to stay safe during winter weather:
Monitor local weather broadcasts and check the latest weather conditions from the National Weather Service.
Use an all-hazards weather radio for up-to-date warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information.
Be aware that ice accumulates on bridges and overpasses before drivers will see it on roads and highways, so approach them more slowly in winter weather.
Sign up for calls or texts from the local emergency notification system.
Have inclement weather contact numbers for school and work.
Driving Tips
• Avoid traveling when sleet, freezing rain or snow is predicted, and monitor road conditions by visiting https://drivetexas.org or calling (800) 452-9292.
• When driving in inclement weather, allow extra time to reach your destination.
• On icy roads, drive slowly and increase the distance between other vehicles for increased room to stop vehicle. Do not use cruise control.
• Ensure vehicle is properly maintained, and the gas tank is full.
• Watch for downed trees and power lines. If a stop light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Home Tips
• Insulate outside faucets and pipes near outer walls.
• Make sure furnaces, heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves are clean, well-ventilated and in good working condition.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from walls and combustible materials, including furniture and bedding, and don’t operate these machines when asleep. Also ensure the space heater cannot tip over.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never operate a generator or other fuel-powered device inside a home, garage or other enclosed space. The odorless, colorless gas is deadly and is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned. Sources include motor vehicle engines, generators and fuel-burning appliances or heating systems. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in home.
• Stock up on firewood and supplies, including canned goods, bottled water and medication.
Check on friends and family members whose health or age may put them at greater risk with hazardous weather, Buesing added. For those will be away from home for a long period of time, set thermostat to 55 degrees or higher and open cabinets under all sinks. Buesing said to also make arrangements for proper shelter and an emergency supply of food and water for pets and livestock.
