You may wonder why I am writing a post about the 'Winter' when many of us have been enjoying 'no coat' weather. Well, the truth is, overnight here where I live the temperature is projected to drop by 20 degrees....and stay there. So, Fall....and soon Winter will be upon us. Also, these beautiful winter pictures you see in this post.....were taken 2 weeks ago here in Utah. They were up in a Canyon, and the weather changed overnight. If we had not taken the proper precautions, we could have been one of the statistics.
The following information comes from Bereadyutah:
Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Fatalities occur in traffic accidents on icy roads, from heart attacks while shoveling snow, and from hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to cold.
Of fatalities related to ice and snow:
About 70% occur in automobiles
About 25% are people caught out in the storm
Majority are males over 40 years old
Of deaths related to exposure to cold:
50% are people over 60 years old
Over 75% are males
About 20% occur inside the home
Bereadyutah recently posted information about Govenor Herbert's declaration. Here is an excerpt:
Governor Gary R. Herbert has declared Oct. 23 - 29, 2011 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Utah. The week is an excellent time for individuals, families, businesses, government, schools and media outlets to learn more about winter weather terms and safety rules and review their winter storm preparedness plans."Proper planning can save lives," said Governor Herbert. "I call on my fellow Utahns to be cautious on snowy roadways, to heed avalanche warnings and to let someone know your travel plans.""Preparedness means having extra food in your vehicle, keeping your gas tank near full and paying attention to weather reports," Governor Herbert said.Winter weather is a significant threat. In an average year, winter weather is directly or indirectly involved in 400,000 vehicular accidents in the United States, leading to 1,300 fatalities. Additionally, many lose their lives due to avalanches or exposure to extreme cold.
At home and at work have available:
Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (Public Alert) receiver and portable radio
Extra food and water
Extra medicine and baby items
First-aid supplies
Heating fuel
Emergency heating source
Fire extinguisher
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors
In vehicles (cars, trucks, snowmobiles):
Fully check and winterize your vehicle
Carry a winter storm survival kit: blankets/sleeping bags, flashlight, first-aid kit, knife, non-perishable food, extra clothing, a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes, a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water, sand, shovel, windshield scraper, tool kit, tow rope, booster cables, water container, and road maps
Keep your gas tank near full
Carry a cell phone
Let someone know your itinerary
Don't be left out in the cold!
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