Published: November 20, 2008 08:18 am      

Governor proclaims ‘Winter Weather Awareness Week’

FRANKFORT — Gov. Steve Beshear has proclaimed this week as “Winter Weather Awareness Week” in the state.

As the winter weather season is approaching, the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM), the National Weather Service and the Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee (KWPC) would like to remind you to “Be aware, be prepared!”

With winter just ahead, it is important to keep in mind that snow, ice and freezing rain often blankets much of the state, causing widespread traffic problems, power outages, school and business closings. KYEM would like to remind everyone to be smart on the roads and in their homes this winter season.

“Special care should be exercised when people begin home heating for the winter,” said Buddy Rogers, public information officer for KYEM and a KWPC committee member. “Those who haven’t closed the (foundation) vents on their homes, wrapped exposed pipes in insulation, or done the winterizing needed, will have to scramble some. Something as simple as undoing your garden hose from the outside water bib can prevent it from freezing and save costly plumbing repairs.”

A big concern is space heaters used in cold weather, or individuals using generators if power goes out.

“You need to use space heaters in places with adequate ventilation for the exhaust gases, and please, please, keep them away from curtains, furniture or other flammable items and always operate

generators outside the home and away from windows and doors.

“Don’t forget to keep fresh batteries in your smoke alarms as well as your weather alert radios,” he said.

When driving during winter weather conditions, give plenty of room and watch your speed if there are slick spots on the roads. If you don’t have to go anywhere in a situation like that, don’t. Play it safe! Unless travel is absolutely necessary, stay off the roads and give the local and state highway crews time to make travel safe. Keep an automobile safety kit, which might include a food, water, whistle and even a small bag of kitty litter or rock salt in the car trunk, to be used if you get stuck on a patch of ice or a frozen rut. A blanket or sleeping bag might come in handy if you become stranded.

Possess and monitor a weather alert radio and during periods of inclement weather, stay tuned to your local broadcasting stations.

For additional information and helpful links, visit the KYEM Web site at: www.kyem.ky.gov, and KWS Web site at www.nws.noaa.gov.