This week’s frigid temperatures and forecasts calling for accumulating snow are excellent reminders that it’s time for Missourians to think about and prepare for winter weather. When winter does arrive, it will bring an assortment of potentially dangerous conditions for which Missourians should be ready to deal with. That’s why the National Weather Service has set Nov. 19 as Winter Weather Awareness Day.
 
“Missourians should always be mindful of the dangers associated with severe winter weather and be prepared for driving on snow and ice-covered roads, losing power and heat at home, and understanding frostbite and hypothermia,” said Ron Walker, director of the State Emergency Management Agency.
 
Winter Weather Awareness Day is sponsored by the National Weather Service, along with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the State Emergency Management Agency and Missouri’s emergency management directors.
 
Here are some of the winter storm preparations Missourians should make:

·         Create a family emergency plan and an emergency kit. These kits should include bottled water, canned and dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first-aid kit.
·         Assemble a separate vehicle winter emergency kit. Include a blanket, radio with spare batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, flares, shovel and sand or shingles to give tires traction.
·         Make sure alternate heat and power sources, such as fireplaces, woodstoves, oil heaters and generators function properly, are safely operated and that adequate fuel is on hand. Carbon monoxide detectors should be properly installed throughout the home. Only operate generators outdoors.
·         Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, make sure an emergency kit is in the vehicle, that cell phones are charged and important emergency numbers are saved for fast dialing in an emergency. If your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road, stay with your vehicle and call for help.
·         Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
 
People should also be aware of the weather forecast and understand the different terms the National Weather Service uses when issuing weather advisories:
 
·         Winter Storm Watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area within 12-48 hours.
·         Winter Storm Warning indicates severe winter weather is in the area or expected immediately and can be life threatening.
·         Ice Storm Warnings are issued for ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more.
 
Additional information about winter weather and preparedness tips can be found at the following websites:
 
·         National Weather Service - St. Louis Winter Weather Awareness Page: www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=winterday

SEMA: www.sema.dps.mo.gov (Click on "Severe Winter Weather" in the "Plan and Prepare" section.)

Missouri Dept. of Transportation's Travel Information Map: www.modot.mo.gov

Missouri Ready in 3 Program's Weather Preparedness Page: http://health.mo.gov/emergencies/readyin3/weather.php

Missouri Ready in 3 Program also provides free family safety guides to help prepare your family and household: http://health.mo.gov/emergencies/readyin3/pdf/familyguideenglish.pdf, or call (573) 526-4768 to order a free family safety guide. The family safety guide is available in several languages.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

By order of the President of the United States, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the United States flag at all State and government offices will be flown at half-staff, Sunday, October 12, 2014 from sunrise to sunset in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

Fires can take lives, devastate communities, and destroy our homes and businesses. They pose a threat to Americans across our Nation, and they cost us billions of dollars each year. As we mark Fire Prevention Week, we emphasize the importance of taking steps to prevent fires, and we recognize the selflessness of those who answer the call to fight these blazes, placing themselves in danger to help others.

All Americans can protect themselves by taking precautions to guard against fires. This week's theme, "Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month," reminds us of the importance of installing and maintaining smoke alarms in the places we live and work. Powerful and unpredictable, fire spreads rapidly and widely. That is why I encourage every American to develop and practice fire evacuation plans that will allow for swift exits from regularly visited places. It is our responsibility to teach our children about fire prevention and do everything we can to protect our loved ones during these emergencies. To learn more about fire safety, visit www.Ready.gov.

This year, our Nation has suffered tragic losses as wildfires ravage States across our country. As wildfires increase in frequency and intensity in a changing climate, fire prevention and planning only become more urgent. My Administration continues to take action to increase our Nation's preparedness and resiliency, and every person can do his or her part. Americans who live near woodlands should clear flammable vegetation away from homes and buildings, and everyone can be ready by making an emergency kit and discussing evacuation routes and emergency plans with their families.

We owe a great debt to our brave first responders and firefighters who run toward the scene of a disaster to fight fires. They are heroes who demonstrate courage, determination, and professionalism every day as they battle flames and smoke and teach their neighbors how to protect themselves. During Fire Prevention Week, we recognize our duty to be vigilant and take action to avert fires, and we remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives so others might live.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim October 5 through October 11, 2014, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 12, 2014, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I call on all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

BARACK OBAMA

Jefferson City, Missouri - With heavy rain forecasted across the state over the next few days, the Missouri Department of Transportation cautions motorists that some state routes are expected to close due to flooding.  The already saturated creeks and streams are expected to rise with flash flooding conditions across the state.

Current road closures are posted on the department's Traveler Information Map, located at http://www.modot.org/. The majority of flooded roadways are expected on lettered and numbered routes with low traffic volumes.

"MoDOT crews are closely monitoring roadways and are prepared for more temporary closures as the rivers across the state continue to rise," said MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Beth Wright. "We encourage travelers to visit our Traveler Information Map before hitting the road to check the latest road conditions and closures."

MoDOT offers the following driving tips that can help avoid delays and unsafe conditions during rainy weather:

•Slow down, use caution, and don't use cruise control when driving in rain to avoid skidding and hydroplaning. Leave plenty of following distance.

• When windshield wipers are needed, turn on your headlights. It's the law.

• Never move or drive around barricades placed on roadways due to high water. Barricades are a warning designed to protect you from an unsafe condition. You can put yourself at serious risk if you proceed into a flooded section of road.

• If a road is closed, find another route.

• If a road is covered in flood water but is not closed by a barricade, do NOT drive into the high water. Stop and turn around. Notify local police, the sheriff or the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

•"Turn Around - Don't Drown" as highways become impassable.

MoDOT crews will open roads after the water recedes and routes are cleared for safe travel. For more information, visit http://www.modot.org/ or contact the MoDOT Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636).

Jefferson City, Missouri - Installing and maintaining smoke alarms in your home can make the difference between life and death and is why all Missourians are encouraged to use Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11, to make sure their families are protected with smoke alarms.
 
“People need to understand how crucial smoke detectors are in fire safety and do all they can to have them in the home,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Greg Carrell. “Most home fire deaths occur where there are no working smoke alarms and about half of those deadly fires happen at night when people are asleep.”
 
Carrell said home fires often grow so quickly and produce so much smoke that people are often overcome before they can respond. Working smoke alarms can alert family members to the danger, providing enough time to safely escape.
To help make sure smoke alarms to work properly, replace smoke detector batteries at least once a year. Doing it at the same time each year, such as the return to Standard Time, when we set our clocks back an hour, makes it easier to remember. This year, Standard Time goes back into effect at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. Smoke alarms should also be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping areas and on every level of the home, including the basement. Each device should be tested every month by pushing the test button and replaced as soon as they don’t work properly or when they are 10 years old.
 
The Division of Fire Safety suggests creating and practicing a family fire safety plan that includes home fire escape routes and establishing a location outside the home where family members are to meet if they become separated.
For more than 85 years, fire departments and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. For more information on “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!” visit www.firepreventionweek.org.