Winter safety

Winter driving woesThe winter storm that moved through the area in mid-November caused headaches for many Falcon and Black Forest residents, especially during the evening commute Nov. 16. Heavy, wet snow and high winds created slick roads, deep drifts and whiteout conditions that caused motorists to slide into ditches and get stuck on hills.Falcon firefighters responding to a reported traffic accident in the north end of the fire district were delayed by cars stuck on Meridian Road, just north of Upriver Road. Meridian runs steadily uphill from Falcon, but the grade turns steeper just past Upriver; and some vehicles could not make it up the icy hill. Units responding from Black Forest reported a similar situation on hilly Hodgen Road. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either the original accident or the multiple slide-offs, and plow crews were able to clear the roads so traffic could start moving again. However, this incident is a good reminder about the importance of being prepared for winter driving.Coloradoís weather can be severe and unpredictable at any time of year. In El Paso County, the mountains and the Palmer Divide, a ridge that extends roughly along the countyís northern border, can wreak havoc with weather and produce quite different conditions across the Pikes Peak region. During the Nov. 16-17 storm, neighborhoods such as Woodmen Hills and Meridian Ranch dealt with relatively small snow drifts, while residents living just 10 miles farther north had to dig out of drifts as high as 4 to 5 feet.If meteorologists are correct about El Nino spurring more intense winter storms, this storm could be just the beginning of a long and challenging season for the Pikes Peak region. Firefighters offer two pieces of advice for dealing with severe winter weather:

1. Pay attention to weather forecasts and monitor current weather conditions. Knowing what the weather is doing or is expected to do is key to preparedness.
2. Stay off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary to be out. This not only ensures the safety of everyone who must travel during storms, it also helps road crews and emergency responders do their jobs.

Other winter driving tips:

• Maintain vehicles in good working order.
• Keep the fuel tank at least half-full at all times.
• Ensure tires have good tread. Consider installing studded snow tires, or keep a set of tire chains or cables with the vehicle.
• Always clear ice and snow from windshields, side and rear windows, headlights, and taillights/turn signals before driving.
• Prepare a vehicle emergency kit (see sidebar for more information)
• Allow extra time for commuting in bad weather.
• Know alternate routes between home, work, and school.
• If stranded, stay with the vehicle.

HypothermiaExposure to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia, a condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it produces heat. According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal average of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.Signs of mild hypothermia include shivering, dizziness, difficulty speaking and slight confusion. Moderate to severe hypothermia can result in a lack of coordination, severe confusion, poor decision-making, drowsiness or loss of consciousness.Dressing in layers can help prevent hypothermia. Outerwear made of tightly woven, water-repellent material provides a layer of protection from the wind. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold body heat better than cotton. Wear gloves or mittens and a warm hat. Take frequent breaks to warm up during prolonged activity in cold weather. Stay as dry as possible, and avoid alcohol.What goes into a vehicle emergency kit?Whether making a long road trip or commuting back and forth to work, having an emergency kit is important, if a vehicle breaks down or a driver becomes stranded in bad weather. Creating a vehicle emergency kit doesnít need to be expensive or time-consuming. Use an old gym bag, carry-on bag or an inexpensive plastic tote to store items. Repurpose old blankets, coats and clothing.Recommended emergency kit items: (from ready.gov, readycolorado.com, fema.gov, lifehacker.com)

• Ice scraper, shovel, and jumper cables
• Tow rope or chain
• Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
• First aid kit and extra medications
• Warm clothes including jacket, gloves, hat, socks and sturdy boots
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• A†fully charged cell phone and phone charger
• LED flashlights and extra batteries
• Multi-tool or pocket knife
• Food: Choose calorie-dense, non-perishable foods such as energy bars, nuts, granola and dried fruit, and rotate it out of the car every few weeks.
• Water for each person and pet in the vehicle
• AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
• Flares or reflective triangles
• Fluorescent distress flag