Winter Weather Preparedness

The Richland County Disaster & Emergency Services (DES) held a workshop this past Saturday at the St. Matthew’s Parish Center. The goal of the workshop was to help people get ready for the winter season. Butch Renders, the director of DES, was the moderator for the session. The workshop was not well attended. Several people commented that it may take a major storm for people in the MonDak region to realize how truly dangerous winter weather can be.

Becky Bradley, Richland County Safety Coalition, talked about ways to prepare your RV for winter living. It is important to put skirting around the bottom of the RV, heat wrap the pipes, weather strip the door, and plastic wrap the windows. Propane heaters are frequently used to heat RVs, but they must be used safely. If there is not enough oxygen present, then incomplete combustion of the propane occurs, and carbon monoxide (CO) is produced. This can cause CO poisoning, which can sneak up on you. Leave the RV if you have unexplained headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. CO can also cause confusion, loss of consciousness, and death. Newer propane heaters have a trip mechanism that turns the heater off when the air supply is depleted, thereby preventing CO from accumulating. Also make sure you get a propane heater that shuts off when the unit overheats or tips over.

Mary Friesz, Richland County Injury Prevention Coalition, talked about the importance of wearing seat belts. Almost half of all unintentional deaths are due to motor vehicle accidents, and these usually occur within 25 miles of home and when travelling under 40 mph. Realize that other drivers on the road may be distracted, impatient, impaired, and inexperienced. Drive defensively. Use the “5 second rule” to avoid following vehicles too closely.

Butch Renders wore several hats for the session. He moderated the session, spoke on behalf of the national weather service, and also covered DES issues. The weather, Butch said, has been unseasonably mild – but can change suddenly. It is important to carefully plan our winter driving trips. Make sure your car is running properly, the tires are safe, the gas tank is kept at least half full, the wipers are functioning, and the heater is working. Realize that the time of the day, the day of the week, the time of the year, holidays, traffic, and road conditions can all influence the safety of your trip.

It is important to know the weather forecast and road conditions. It is the Wind Chill Factor that determines your risk of frostbite and hypothermia. If you are going to travel, tell people where you are going, when you are going, and what roads you are going to take. If something does go wrong – like not showing up at your expected destination – then rescue personnel will know where to look. Listen to the official travel watches, warnings, and advisories. Never drive on a highway that is officially closed. You can check the weather online at weather.gov and check road conditions at roadreport.mdt.mt.dot/map or safetravelusa.com. You can also call 406-228-4042 for the weather conditions and 511for road conditions.

A few more driving tips: Slow down! Most accidents can be avoided if you slow down and drive more cautiously. Be especially careful on curves, bridges, underpasses, and when passing or being passed. Be aware that “white out” conditions can develop. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads. And realize that sometimes the best thing to do when conditions are dangerous is to STAY HOME. Trips are never so important that we should risk life and limb to get there.

What should you do if you do go off the road? If you’re stuck you might be able to get out. Try removing snow from around the wheels, putting something under the wheels to improve traction (sand, kitty litter, a floor mat, etc.), and then rocking the car back and forth. Avoid spinning the wheels; it that just makes things worse. If help does arrive then they might be able to pull your vehicle out with a tow rope. Avoid using pulling chains, however; they can be dangerous if they come flying loose.

What should you do if you are stranded? The most important thing is to stay with your vehicle until help arrives. Wandering aimlessly to find a farmhouse might be the last mistake you ever make. The most important thing is to stay warm. Hopefully you will have a Winter Survival Kit with you. These can be bought as a pre-filled package or prepared on your own. Items to consider including are the following: extra winter clothing, boots, mittens, blankets, a sleeping bag, drinking water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, flashlight with spare batteries, a weather radio, dry container of matches, a shovel, jumper cables, tow strap, sand or kitty litter, coffee can (for melting snow), candles, road flares, road maps, a compass, spare tire and jack. You should also carry your cell phone (and charger) with you, but be prepared for the fact that some areas don’t have cell phone coverage.

It is important for us to have a “Winter Emergency Plan” for our homes. This topic is especially relevant for people who are living in RVs and other “non-traditional” settings. A severe winter storm could impact our ability to get clean water, food, heat, and shelter. Emergency kits (similar to above) should provide several days’ worth of provisions. Consider having a backup heating plan, e.g., electric space heaters, propane heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, etc. Make sure your house or RV has carbon monoxide detectors. The risk of CO poisoning and house fires goes up with these devices. Rob Gilbert, the Sidney Fire Chief, reminded everyone to have working fire extinguishers on hand.

Richland County Disaster & Emergency Services (DES) and other local agencies are also considering backup plans to deal with emergencies where people could get displaced from their homes. The school system and several churches around town have voiced willingness to provide temporary housing. These plans have not been finalized, however. In the event of such an emergency, announcements would be made by the local radio stations. If you have questions on any of these matters you may contact Butch Renders at [email protected] or 406-433-2220.