Winter Driving Preparedness

Here is another set of tips edited from a memo from Peggy Peirson, Benton County Emergency Services Coordinator.


If you haven’t already prepared for winter driving … it’s absolutely time now. During challenging weather and road conditions, any time of the year, you and your vehicle need to be in optimal condition for travel. Now is not the time to worry about your vehicle condition, if you have needed emergency supplies on board, or what kind of weather is ahead.

• Is your vehicle fit for challenging weather travel? Check tires, tread, pressure. Check wiper blades. Check lights and their adjustment. Check brakes. Check fluids. Do you have traction tires or chains if needed?


• Are you fit for driving? Free from illness, intoxicants and distractions? Are you rested?


• Know before you go? Check road and weather conditions before you travel. Postpone travel if needed. On the web check www.tripcheck.com or call 5-1-1 from your cell phone for ODOT road and weather conditions. Check National Weather Service on line at www.weather.gov.
  Let someone know about your travel plans. When you leave, route, call when you arrive.


• Have an emergency vehicle kit on board – in every car. Basic supplies to keep you warm and protected from cold and wet, food and water, tools, etc. Visit http://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/ems/documents/travel-kit_brochure.pdf for suggestions for the contents of a do-it-yourself vehicle emergency kit. Or, purchase a complete kit at RedEsupply.com: Vehicle Emergency Kits
  
• Slow down and maintain extra distance between you and other vehicles. Inclement weather and road conditions will dramatically increase the stopping distance you will need. Allow extra time to get to your destination so that you are not hurried along the way.


• When temperatures plummet – be careful of road ice and parking lot. Sometimes ice on roadways and in parking lots can be difficult to see – “black ice” is a hazard here. Be careful.


• Keeps leaves and debris clear of drains and culverts. Leaves and debris can create localized flooding, and then can freeze into a slippery hazard on roadways. Do your part to minimize this problem.

If you haven’t already prepared for freezing temperatures around your home or business, now is also the time to do that!

• Close or cover outside foundation vents


• Disconnect and drain hoses and cover outside faucets


• Inside, open cupboard doors to allow household heat to reach perimeter plumbing

Finally, when weather conditions become extreme or power is interrupted – check on others to make sure they are warm and supplied with food, medications and other essentials. A quick visit or a phone call can make all of the difference in the world to someone alone or otherwise vulnerable to extreme weather.