Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a State of Disaster Emergency declaration for the state in response to the winter storm currently moving across Kansas. The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties.
“I encourage all Kansans to be cautious as the winter storm moves through our state,” said Kelly. “Stay off the roads if possible and be mindful of emergency response personnel working hard to keep our citizens safe.”
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will be activating the State Emergency Operations center in Topeka to a partial level, to monitor the weather and coordinate any state emergency response operations that might be requested.
The Kansas National Guard has Stranded Motorists Assistance Response Teams in three locations throughout northeast Kansas due to the increased projected snowfall and strong northerly winds for that area. The SMART teams, which consist of two High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWVs) and four Guardsmen, will have the ability to assist local public safety agencies reach stranded motorists if local resource capabilities are exceeded.
For an updated list of road conditions go to the Kansas Department of Transportation web site at http://kandrive.org. Winter road conditions are accessible by dialing 5-1-1 from your mobile phone anywhere in Kansas; outside Kansas call 1-866-511-5368 (KDOT).
Kansans are urged to change or delay their travel plans in these areas until the storm moves through. If you plan to travel, use caution and make sure your car emergency kit is stocked.
Winter road conditions are accessible by dialing 5-1-1 from your mobile phone anywhere in Kansas; outside Kansas call 1-866-511-5368 (KDOT). Road conditions many also be viewed on the Kansas Department of Transportation web site at http://kandrive.org.
If you must travel, be sure your car’s gas tank is full and you have an emergency kit. Vehicle emergency kits should include blankets, flashlights, batteries, a cell phone charger, hand-warmers, high-energy food snacks, bottled water, necessary medications, a snow shovel, flares and other emergency supplies. Make sure your cell phone is charged and someone is aware of your itinerary, including expected time of arrival.
On the road, remember the following:
- Allow extra time for delays and slower traffic speeds.
- Buckle up and properly secure children in safety seats.
- Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. Ice and snow significantly increase your stopping distance.
- Accelerate and brake gently. A light foot on the gas is less likely to make wheels spin on ice and snow. Braking is best accomplished by pumping the pedal. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, it is very important that you understand how to use it. Read the owner’s manual or check with a dealership for more information, and practice using it correctly.
- Make turns slowly and gradually, especially in heavily traveled areas (e.g. intersections that may be icy from snow that melted and refroze).
- Visibility is very important. You must be able to see out, and other drivers must be able to see your vehicle. Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors, and lights. Use headlights as necessary.
- If your car loses traction and begins to slide, steer into the swerve, or in the direction you want to go. Anticipate a second skid in the opposite direction as the car straightens out.
If you are stranded in a winter storm, do not panic. Stay in the vehicle, keep fresh air circulating through a downwind window, run the motor sparingly, turn on the dome light, and stimulate circulation and stay awake by moving arms and legs. If you leave the car, work slowly in the snow to avoid over-exertion and the risk of a heart attack. If you have a cell phone, call a Kansas Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (47), or *KTA (582) while on the Kansas Turnpike.
Information on winter driving tips is available from the Kansas Highway Patrol at http://www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/259/Winter-Driving-Tips. You can also follow the Kansas Highway Patrol on Facebook and Twitter at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org.
For a complete list of items for an emergency kit, go to www.ready.gov.
