SAN ANGELO, Texas — It’s Winter Weather Safety Week, a time dedicated to raise awareness on ways to prepare for the cold season. Professionals advise the community to learn from last year’s winter storm and plan ahead.
“It’s important to always be prepared for winter weather and always be paying attention to the forecast out there from a trusted source such as weather dot gov or your local media outlet,” National Weather Service Abilene/San Angelo lead forecaster, Stephen Kearney, said.
Although it is safer to stay indoors in colder temperatures, home safety is also an important measure to consider.
“Remember, fireplaces and chimneys need to be cleaned. Always make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector if you are using fossil fuels like natural gasses in your home. Also, make sure to monitor the Christmas lights, extension cords are temporary use and they are often misused,” Tom Green County/City of San Angelo Emergency Management Coordinator, Jerry Huffman, said.
While driving during the colder weather is not recommended, sometimes it’s necessary. Black ice happens to be one of the most dangerous parts of driving during colder temperatures since it’s a thin glaze of frost that is very difficult to see.
“Black ice is the absolute most dangerous ice that we get on during those storms. The majority of the thing we see is people going too fast not controlling their speeds,” Homeowners Inc. owner, Toby Taylor, said.
Winter Weather Safety Week is another form of precaution to the community to raise awareness and to prepare for severe weather hazards. For more information on winter weather safety visit, weather.gov/winter-safety.