Dangerous weather conditions

The temperatures in Oklahoma are dangerously low with sub-zero wind chills.  The NWS has issued a wind chill advisory, reporting wind chill values of -5 to -10 degrees.  The temperature isn’t expected to gain much ground today either.  It is currently 9 degrees and the temperature is expected to only reach the low 20’s later today.   In fact, the weather is expected to worsen tonight (low temperature of 8 degrees) and continue through Tuesday, bringing very cold temperatures and chances of freezing drizzle and freezing rain.  Travel during this period is dangerous and discouraged. 

If you must venture outdoors, protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing layered clothing, a hat and gloves. 

Other precautions you should take over the next couple of days:

• Remove garden hoses and wrap outside faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Bring pets in from outdoors.
• Check on elderly neighbors to make sure they have heat, water and necessary supplies for the next several days.
• Let a faucet drip to prevent freezing, if there’s a history of freezing pipes at your house.  Open lower cabinet doors to let the heat in.
• Use space heaters with care.  They are a potential fire hazard and fuel fed heaters can produce unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. 
• Use extreme caution when driving and watch for ice on roadways from winter precipitation and broken water mains.
• If you must travel, take survival supplies with you such as blankets, flash lights, food and water.  And, don’t forget a fully charged cell phone.