Jefferson County Reminds Residents How To Stay Safe During Storm

LAKEWOOD, CO —Weathermen are saying the snowstorm expected to hit the Denver area this weekend could be one of the biggest in decades. The Mile High City is expected to get 12 to 24 inches, while parts of Jefferson County could see up to 36 inches. The snow is predicted to be particularly heavy on Saturday night into Sunday.

"The storm has the potential to rank among the biggest on record in Denver," said Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather's Chief Meteorologist.

With the storm on the way, Jefferson County has taken to social media to remind residents how to stay safe. On Facebook, the county relayed the words of the Colorado Department of Transportation, which is advising people to avoid traveling this weekend (Friday through Sunday) as road conditions will be very poor and some roads will be closed.

But if you must travel, or if you simply plan to stay in the house, Jeffco posted its own tips for preparing your vehicle and home, and how to handle snowstorms before and after they come your way. Among the key points:

Car

• Winterize your car, including battery check, antifreeze, oil level and tires.
• Snow tires are recommended, chains may be required in certain conditions.
• If you get stuck in your car, run the motor for 10 minutes each hour for heat.
• Remember, 4-wheel drive does not mean your vehicle will not slide.
• If you get stranded, do not leave your vehicle, call 911 for assistance.

Home

• Insulate pipes in crawl spaces by covering them in newspaper or plastic.
• If you have a wood-burning stove for heat, make sure your chimney is cleaned and checked for obstructions.
• Register for Emergency Alerts in Jefferson County.
• Service your snow removal equipment.
• Have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and sand or kitty litter for traction.
• Locate weather valves and know how to shut them off, if necessary.
• Have extra blankets and alternate heat sources available in case of a power outage.
• Stock up on non-perishable foods.

During Snowstorms

Inside

• In case of a blizzard, do not leave your residence unnecessarily, especially if conditions are particularly hazardous.
• Space heaters can cause house fires, so turn your heaters off before you leave.
• Include children in preparedness planning.

Outside

• When outdoors, wear layers of warm, loose-fitting, lightweight non-cotton clothing.
• Watch for signs of frostbite, such as loss of feeling and a pale appearance in fingers, toes, nose and earlobes.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia, including uncontrollable shivering, slow or slurred speech, exhaustion and stumbling. If these are detected, get to a warm location, remove wet clothing and drink warm, non-alcoholic beverages. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

After Snowstorms

• Assist neighbors who may need assistance, such as the elderly, people with infants or those with special needs.
• Remove ice and snow from tree limbs, roof and other structures after the storm passes, if it is safe to do so.
• When shoveling snow, avoid overexertion. Colder temperatures add strain to the heart and can make strenuous activity feel less tiring.

Finally, take time to consider backup supplies and power for special medical needs like oxygen tanks and other electrical dependent medical devices.