Media release (Payne County Health Dept.)
(STILLWATER, Okla.) – Winter weather is in the forecast for Oklahoma, and now is the time for Oklahomans to prepare for inclement weather. Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion.
Winter storms, including blizzards, can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. It is best to stay informed on rapidly changing weather conditions, either through phone apps, television stations or radio stations.
During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can cause power failures, loss of communication services and freezing pipes. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home and your car before a winter storm hits. Make sure your home is weather proofed, have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, as well as an easy-to-read thermometer. You can get your car ready for winter weather by adding a charger for your phone, extra warm clothing and blankets, a shovel, jumper cables and cat litter (for traction).
Winter storms are dangerous, so you should limit your time outside. Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) and frostbite are both dangerous conditions that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Stay safe this winter by learning more about hypothermia and frostbite, including who is most at risk, signs and symptoms, and what to do if someone develops hypothermia or frostbite.
