Editorial

Winter's awesome power

Monday, November 28, 2005

Once again, residents of the Great Plains have been reminded of the awesome power of winter weather. Following a very mild October and November, residents of the region were shocked back to reality Sunday when wind-whipped rain and snow peppered the Plains, bringing traffic to a stand-still and closing schools throughout the area.

With 4- to 6-foot drifts and blowing snow limiting visibility, it was inevitable that problems would arise. Car and pickups were stuck. Travelers on country roads were stranded. Downed lines caused power outages.

Yet -- for the most part -- the residents of Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas did a good job of coping with the storm conditions. Even though it's been months since this area has been hit with a blizzard of this magnitude, the people of the area have learned to respect weather's fury and to use common sense to avoid weather-related problems.

Still -- with drifts still in sight and the blizzard fresh in our minds -- it's a good time to double-check winter weather preparedness plans. It's especially important if you get stuck in a blizzard. Here's what the American Red Cross suggests: 1. Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety; 2. Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see; 3. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car; 4. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen; 5. As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm; and 6. Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

In this part of the country, it's also important to keep a Disaster Supplies Kit in your car and a first aid kit and essential medications at home, along with a radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

Other important supplies are canned goods, a can opener, bottled water and extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens and a hat.

For those who must travel, it is important to keep the gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. And, after the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful, as it is physically strenuous work. Take frequent breaks and avoid over-exertion.

Do all this and one more thing. Check on your neighbors, especially those who are ailing and those who are elderly. By respecting the awesome power of the weather, and looking out for each other, we can avoid weather-related tragedies.

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