Winter Weather Awareness Day scheduled for Tuesday

Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management Jack Colley has declared Dec. 11 as Winter Weather Awareness Day in Texas, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service will team up to highlight the hazards which accompany winter weather. With the holiday travel season at hand, Colley said it is a good time to review winter weather impacts and safety tips.

Although the outlook suggests above-normal temperatures and below normal precipitation for north Texas this winter, Texans should still prepare for occasional cold weather outbreaks which could include winter precipitation in the form of freezing rain, sleet or snow.

During the day, NWS will issue public information statements which will describe winter weather terminology, and will discuss winter weather conditions. They also will provide safety tips for the cold weather season.

Colley encourages Texans to prepare their vehicles and homes for the cold weather. He offers the following tips:

• Plan travel and check the latest forecasts. Avoid winter storms whenever possible.

• Check and winterize vehicles before starting travel.

• Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate travel routes.

• Keep gas tank near full to prevent ice from forming in the fuel lines.

• If sleet or freezing rain is encountered, drive extremely cautiously. Even four-wheel drive vehicles may have difficulty on icy roads.

• Those planning to travel into an area which experiences significant winter storms should carry a winter storm survival kit including blankets, flashlight, high-calorie snack foods, sand, a tow rope, booster cables and a water container. For more weather information, visit www.weather.gov/fortworth.