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| Community Watch ... |
| By
Sheriff David Kramer |
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With snow on the way, time to prepare |
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December 18, 2017 |
With the promise of a white Christmas suddenly
upon us, and one that the National Weather
Service predicts could arrive in a fairly big
way over the next few days, I'd like to ask
everyone in our communities to be ready for
whatever the weather might bring.
We have the best prediction of the snow storms
that are approaching, and a measure of sensible
preparedness can help us all get through more
easily than if we wait until the snow has
fallen.
If you don't have to drive, it's best for
everyone if you stay off the roads – get your
groceries and supplies in now, before the storms
hit, and then hunker down cozy until road crews
can get the roads plowed and passable.
If you do have to drive, pack cold weather
supplies in your vehicle before you set out just
in case. Water, food, a good flashlight with
extra batteries. A warm blanket, extra clothing,
including gloves and winter boots if you're not
wearing them to drive. A shovel is handy in case
you get stuck in the snow. You should already
have chains in your vehicle – if you haven't
used them before, go over the instructions.
As with all the first snowfalls of the season,
law enforcement and emergency responders are
likely to be kept busy during a heavy snowfall
as people are still in summer driving mode and
haven't fully made the shift to winter
conditions. The key is to slow down until you
get a feel for the road, then to drive for the
conditions.
Avoid spinning your tires when you start by
gently pressing your gas pedal until the car
starts to roll. Remember that snow tires will
slide on ice or packed snow, so keep your
distance. Reduce your speed to correspond with
conditions. There is no such thing as a “safe”
speed range at which to drive on snow or ice.
Keep an eye out for plows and sand trucks and
give them room. Look a bit farther down the road
so you can anticipate upcoming maneuvers; avoid
any quick turns or stops that will send you into
a slide.
Another tip from our EMS and fire personnel are
to clearly mark your driveways, and keep them as
clear of snow as possible. There is nothing more
heartbreaking in a major snowstorm than seeing a
family lose their home to fire because the
trucks couldn't get in, or worse, to lose a
family member because an ambulance couldn't find
the place, especially in the dark, or get to it
because they were snowed in.
Make arrangements with people in your community
who offer plowing to keep your drive clear
before the snow falls. If you have a plow and
see that your neighbors need help and you are
able, pitch in and help. There'll be time to
haggle later.
One of the greatest things about living in
Boundary County is that when the weather takes a
turn for the worse or a disaster strikes, our
residents are always there for one another.
Neighbors look out for one another and help each
other, forgetting whatever animosity they may
have indulged when skies are sunny.
Another good idea, especially with friends and
family visiting for the holidays, post emergency
numbers by each landline telephone in the house,
and if possible, give each out of towner with a
cell phone a card with important numbers written
down.
Nearly every one knows 911 for emergencies, but
what about the number to call if the power goes
out? In an emergency, you never know who will
need to call for help, so the more who are
prepared, the better. |
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