Governor Kelly issues state of disaster emergency for winter storms impacting state

Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation at 3:46 p.m. today due to winter weather that is currently moving across Kansas. This declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance.

Severe winter weather is forecast to impact the state of Kansas, with ice and snow accumulations and gusting winds. Numerous road closures are anticipated, power outages, with schools, businesses and government closures. Delivery of commodities, propane, fuel, power restoration and life saving measures will be impacted.

"I encourage all Kansans to be cautious as the winter storm moves through our state," Governor Laura Kelly said. "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 along with their Emergency Support Function partners including: Kansas Department of Transportation; Department of Children and Families; Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas Corporation Commission; and Kansas Highway Patrol; will staff the State Emergency Operations Center virtually and will be monitoring the situation and will assist counties and local responders if requested.

Avoid travel if you can, but if you must travel, be sure your car's gas tank is full, and you have an emergency kit in your vehicle. 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. And whether at home or on the road, listen to your local radio and television stations for the latest weather information.

For continuously updated road information, go to www.KanDrive.org and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 - for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management encourages all Kansans to prepare a home emergency kit that includes food, water, medications, extra clothing, flashlights and batteries, battery-operated NOAA weather radio and other necessities. If you already have a kit, now would be a good time to check their supplies and refresh any outdated food, medicines, batteries and other perishables. Make sure your kit includes supplies for your pet. For a complete list of items for an emergency kit, go to www.ready.gov.

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.

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 make sure the vehicle's tailpipe is clear of snow. Stimulate circulation and stay awake by moving arms and legs.

If you have a cell phone, call a Kansas Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (47), or *KTA (582) while on the Kansas Turnpike.

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