Public safety officials prepare for storm

The National Weather Service is forecasting a possible severe winter storm that could leave areas of Missouri and Kansas under up to an inch of ice. Vernon County Sheriff Ron Peckman said the National Weather Service had set up a conference call with emergency responders in the affected area to prepare them for the weekend.

"They set up the call with us and said we could expect three-quarters of an inch up to an inch of ice," Peckman said. "I knew it was going to be bad, anytime the weather services sets up one of these conference calls it's bad news."

The NWS isn't sure just where the accumulation will happen, but they are suggesting that there will be a transition zone running parallel with I-44. South and east of I-44 should get heavy rain while north and west of I-44 it should begin to transition into freezing rain with the heaviest accumulation possible on a line between Pittsburg, Kan., and Lamar.

Peggy Tedlock, director of the Vernon County Red Cross said that the local officials are prepared for the severe weather.

"Should the need arise, we will be working with emergency management officials to identify shelters," Tedlock said.

Tedlock said residents should take care during these periods and observe some basic safety tips and has issued some winter weather advice.

After the storm has passed, use extreme caution when walking on sidewalks and driveways; a thin, light layer of snow may be masking a slick ice patch. Watch for falling ice from trees, power lines and street signs. Dress appropriately before going outdoors. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness. Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow. Have extra blankets on hand. If you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion and stay hydrated. Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms. Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms. Be alert to changing weather conditions. Listen to local radio and television for updated information.

During a power outage, turn off or disconnect any appliances, electrical equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer, or furnace. Leave one light turned on so you'll know when your power returns. Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.

Keep all potential fuel sources (newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs) at least three feet away from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves. If you must use space heaters, place them on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.