Collinsville, Ohio

This week is winter weather preparedness week in Ohio... Indiana...
and Kentucky. The goal of the National Weather Service and our
partners in the Red Cross and state and local government is to
increase your preparedness for winter weather hazards. Now is the
time to prepare.

In mid-winter across this part of the Ohio Valley... high
temperatures average in the mid 30s while average lows drop
to around 20. Records are below zero.

This winter... the National Weather Service outlook shows equal
chances of above... near... or below normal temperatures. One
exception is in far southern Ohio and parts of northern Kentucky
where below average temperatures are expected. Precipitation is
expected to be below normal for the region. The outlook does not
predict where and when snowstorms may hit or total seasonal
snowfall accumulations. Snow forecasts are dependent upon winter
storms... which are generally not predictable more than several
days in advance.

Strong wind combined with low temperatures can also be dangerous.
Wind chill is the apparent temperature felt on exposed skin due
to the combination of air temperature and wind speed. When wind
chills reach 20 below zero... frostbite can occur in as little as
30 minutes.

While frostbite is dangerous... hypothermia is life-threatening.
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can
produce heat and body temperature drops below 95 degrees. It is
identified by uncontrollable shivering... slurred speech... drowsiness
or disorientation. If medical care is not available... gently move
the person out of the cold. Remove wet clothing and warm them with
a blanket and warm liquids. Do not rub or warm the arms or legs
first... it drives cold blood to The Heart and may lead to heart
failure.

The National Weather Service advises you to be prepared by
dressing appropriately this winter. Our radio broadcasts and
web site are a great source for weather information.

Tomorrow we will discuss travel safety.