PRESS RELEASE November 27, 2005
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Editors
Winter Weather Awareness Day
West Central Texas and across the Lone Star State
Tuesday December 6, 2005
Buddy McIntyre, NWS San Angelo,
Buddy.mcintyre@noaa.gov
325-944-3030
...Winter Weather Awareness Day December 6, 2005...
In cooperation with the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Department of Public
Safety, Tuesday December, 6, 2005, is designated as Winter Weather Awareness Day in the Lone Star State.
This is the day when every Texan should prepare for adverse winter weather such as freezing rain, snow, dense fog, ice, and bitter cold temperatures.
Buddy McIntyre, Meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service in San Angelo, suggest you have a plan of action when it comes to winter. 1) Prepare before the winter storm (see next page) 2) Check the weather forecast before you leave 3) Monitor freezing temperatures 4) Drive according to the conditions of the highway, and 5) Heed the warnings.
Data from the Department of Public Safety’s Accident Records Bureau compiled between 1991 and 2000, indicated approximately 70 Texans die each year from accidents caused by adverse winter weather such as ice, snow, or fog.
The Texas Department of Public Safety urges motorists to slow down to the conditions of the roadway.
Motorists should not look at the speed limits and assume the speed limit is the safe speed. Always drive the conditions of the highway.
Additional information and graphics on the winter weather outlook and winter weather safety are located on our web page at www.srh.noaa.gov/sjt Just click on the snowflake icon at the top of our homepage.
If you would like to set up a radio, TV, or newspaper interview, please contact Buddy McIntyre.
Buddy McIntyre
Meteorologist In Charge, NWS
“Working Together To Save Lives”
Hector Guerrero
Meteorologist
Warning and Coordination

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WINTER WEATHER IMPACT AND SAFETY
Freezing drizzle and rain are deadly. When the temperature falls below 32 degrees, even a little
mist, drizzle, or frost can create slick bridges and roadways. Slow down especially on
overpasses and bridges. Speed and ice DO NOT mix!
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Each year people die in house fires and from carbon monoxide poisoning because of faulty heating sources. Be sure to place your electrical heating source in a safe place away from curtains and combustible materials. If you have a gas furnace, be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors. Always install smoke detectors, they could save your life this winter.
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Dense fog kills, too. When driving in low visibilities due to dense fog or snow, slow down and use your low beams. Always have a way to receive winter weather forecasts and warnings because weather can change fast.
“Texans need to prepare their homes and cars for severe winter weather," said State Coordinator
Jack Colley. "Roads can become treacherous in icy weather. Severe ice storms can knock out power, making it important to have emergency supplies on hand in your home." Colley recommended the following preparedness steps:
1) Winterize your home by insulating pipes near outside walls and by sealing leaks that might expose
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pipes to cold air.
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Make sure that heating systems, fireplaces and wood stoves are clean, well ventilated and in good
working condition.
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Winterize your vehicle by checking wipers, tires, lights, and fluid levels. Prepare a travel disaster supply kit containing food, drinking water, blankets, rain gear, extra clothing, flashlights with extra batteries, jumper cables and a first aid kit.
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 If you plan to travel, keep your gas tank at least half full and be prepared for alternative travel plans in case bad weather forces trip delays. Do not travel when such conditions threaten.
5) Check on friends and family members whose health or age --- especially the very young and very old
--- may put them at greater risk from cold weather or freezing temperatures.
6) Plan ahead and pay careful attention to road and weather conditions this winter.