Where to go for DSCC winter weather info

As winter weather continues to impact Central Ohio, learn where to find the latest information on Defense Supply Center Columbus' operating status. For official announcements regarding weather-related delays or closures, installation employees are encouraged to sign up for AtHoc emergency messaging. Information is also available on the DLA Weapons Support (Columbus) homepage, DSCC weather hotline and through local news and radio stations.

- Employees can opt-in to receive AtHoc emergency notifications and be notified of changes to DSCC's operating status on mobile or home phone numbers, text and through email. Visit the DLA Service Portal and refer to KB0011511 for information on signing up for AtHoc.

- In the rare event DSCC is impacted by a weather delay or closure, operating status changes will be announced on the DLA Weapons Support (Columbus) homepage.

- Employees can also call the DSCC weather hotline at 614-692-1800 for operating status information.

- Installation delays or closure announcements will be announced on Central Ohio television and radio stations including WCMH 4, WSYX 6, WBNS 10, WTTE 28, WKEF 22, WDTN 2 and WBDT 26.

- Plan for inclement weather: Sign up for Franklin County weather alerts through the Ohio Emergency Management Agency website.

- In support of worldwide missions, DSCC will normally remain open and operational during weather conditions. Commuters should exercise caution when traveling and monitor news channels for weather announcements and anticipated driving conditions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following tips for traveling in winter weather:

- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

- Slow down. It's harder to control a vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface.

- Increase following distance enough so that you'll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.

- Don't crowd a snowplow or travel beside it. Snowplows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes and exit the road frequently.

Prepare your car for winter weather

- Check tire pressure. As outside temperatures drop, so does tire inflation pressure. Each tire should be filled to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure, which is in your owner's manual and on a label located on the driver's side door frame.

- Make sure batteries or charging systems are in top shape. When the temperature drops, so does battery power. In cold weather, gas and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and electric and hybrid vehicles driving range can be reduced.

- Check tires for a good amount of remaining tread life.

- Inspect windshield wiper blades - they should be replaced annually.

- Top off wiper fluid with fluid that will not freeze.

- Always have a sturdy ice scraper available to clear ice and snow from your vehicle.

- Keep an emergency kit in the trunk that includes at minimum a blanket, extra gloves, jumper cables and a bag of kitty litter for traction under spinning tires.

What to do in an emergency

If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car and your surroundings.

- Stay with your car and ensure its visible to other travelers. Put hazard lights on, turn on your interior dome light and lay roadside flares if you have them.

- Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow. Don't run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.

For additional information on preparing for winter weather, visit Ready.gov.