Springfield, Wisconsin

... Winter weather... extra public service announcements... part 6...

... Wisconsin winter awareness week is November 09-13...

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... What about those wind chills...
the danger of cold air is more intense in winter when the wind is
blowing. Strong winds cause a pronounced increase in the chilling
effect of low temperatures.

     -In a 5 mph wind... a temperature of zero becomes the equivalent
       of 11 below zero.
     -Increase those winds to 30 mph and the effect would be equal to
       a frigid minus 26 degrees.

Protection against frostbite is necessary in this type of wind
driven cold. Remember... exposed skin can freeze in a matter of
minutes.
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... Your vehicle as a life saver...
your vehicle can be a life saver if you are trapped on the Road in a
winter storm. Make sure your car is winterized for the season.

     -Make sure that brakes... lights... The Battery... exhaust/heater
       connections... the defroster... and windshield wipers are all in
       good working order.
     -Make certain your gasoline tank is full before crossing open
       country.
     -If you are in doubt about Road conditions try... when
       possible... to travel in a Convoy with other vehicles.
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... Winter storm kit in your vehicle...
a winter storm kit in you car trunk can save your life if you are
caught in a major winter storm.

     -This kit should include tire chains... booster cables...
       a shovel... sand... flashlight... matches... a first aid kit...
       emergency high calorie rations... water... and certainly
       extra clothing and blankets.
     -Keep your car radio tuned for the latest winter storm
       information... or better yet... carry a NOAA weather all hazards
       radio with you.
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... If your vehicle is stuck in the snow...
Don/T leave your vehicle if you are marooned in a winter storm. If a
blizzard traps you while driving... stay in your car and wait for
help.
     -Your best chances for survival are when you stay with your
       vehicle. You can easily get lost in the storm.
     -Run the engine sparingly to keep warm... but be sure to Open A
       downwind window slightly when the engine is on.
     -Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
     -Tie a colored cloth to the radio antenna during the day.
     -At night... turn on the dome light to signal rescuers.
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... Using common sense...
use common sense and Don/T venture out in a storm unless absolutely
necessary.
     -Make sure you have enough food and beverages in your house
       before the storm hits.
     -If you have to go out... dress warmly... especially for your
       hands... feet and face. A hat and pair of gloves will help keep
       your body warm.
     -Wearing multiple layers of clothes will also keep the body
       warm.
     -Avoid over-exertion... it is hard work walking in deep snow and
       high winds.
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... The worst driving conditions...
some of the most dangerous driving conditions in winter storms occur
with freezing rain.
     -Freezing rain occurs whenever surface temperatures are at or
       below 32 degrees and rain freezes upon impact to exposed
       objects.
     -If a substantial amount of ice accumulates... the condition is
       known as an ice storm. These storms make driving or walking
       extremely hazardous.
     -The danger in ice storms is even greater if strong winds
       accompany the storm causing tree limbs and wires to fall and
       imperil traffic. During these weather conditions... avoid
       travel if at all possible.
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... Don/T Forget about dense fog...
another very dangerous winter weather condition is dense fog.

     -While dense fog can occur in every month somewhere in
      Wisconsin... it is especially dangerous in winter when it can
      persist for many hours... or even a day or two.
     -The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that an
      average of about 1200 vehicle accidents occur each year across
      Wisconsin during dense fog episodes. These accidents result in
      an yearly average of about 15 deaths and 700 injuries.
     -Motorists should slow down while driving through dense fog...
      turn their headlights on... and increase their trailing
      distance behind the vehicle in front of them.