Emergency Preparedness

WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, about:

To reduce your chances of being part of those unpleasant statistics, consider the following guidelines:

Put an emergency winter driving car kit in your car. Washington State Tips; Wyoming tip sheet
Do not drive in really bad weather. Is that trip really worth risking your life?
Check travel information and road conditions before starting your trip: Montana Department of Transportation
Before driving, clear all the snow and ice from your vehicles' hood, roof, windows and lights.
Insist that everyone in the car wear their seatbelt.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted while driving. Pull over and stop if you really must use your cell phone.
Watch for slippery bridges and bridge decks. Even when the rest of the pavement appears to be in good condition, bridge decks will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.
Be aware of hazardous road conditions, particularly black ice which can be particularly deceptive in its appearance giving the driver a false sense of security on the road.
Stay on main roads; avoid back roads and alleys.
Keep your gas tank full.
Drive with your headlights on so others can see you.

Stay with the car. Many people die of hypothermia when they attempt to walk to safety during a storm.
Use the heater 10 minutes out of each hour. Constantly move your arms and legs to maintain good circulation and avoid hypothermia.
Tie a bright piece of cloth or flagging ribbon to the car's antenna.
Clear exhaust pipes of snow. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer!

Ensure that all stairways, walkways and sidewalks are cleared of snow and ice as soon as possible. Pre-treat these areas.
Clear garage openings of snow. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer!

Have an emergency GO-KIT in your home or business.
Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles; keep such devices away from all flammable materials.
Clear catch basins and fire hydrants.
Do not shovel snow into the street. Instead, put all cleared snow in your front yard, or between the curb and sidewalk.

Only use portable heaters that have UL-approved wiring. Only plug them into outlets in good working condition. Do not use two-prong, extension cords or use a 2 to 3 prong converter to convert to a grounded connection. Do not use an already loaded circuit.
Listen to radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.
    Missoula weather information
    Consider taking the bus! Local bus schedules
    Mountain Line Rider Alerts - for changes in bus schedules
Dress for the weather: wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
Wear gloves or mittens and a hat; cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Watch for signs of frostbite - Skin appears white and waxy; numbness or no feeling in that area; blisters.
Watch for signs of hypothermia - Shivering and numbness, confusion or dizziness, stumbling and weakness, slow or slurred speech.
If you see a homeless person in the cold that may need assistance, call 911.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack; a major cause of death during the winter.