Common sense counts most in storm

The National Weather Service describes winter storms as “the deceptive killers.” Even in Iowa, where we are all too familiar with snowstorms and ice, some people still don't recognize when conditions are dangerous. They drive too fast, they drive when they shouldn't be on the road or they don't dress appropriately when outside.

As the winter storm predicted to be one of the strongest seen in 20 years blows through today, let's all heed the words of Cedar Rapids police Sgt. Joe Cerruto, who early Tuesday told a Gazette reporter: “We're going to be riding it out just like everybody else. Common sense will be the order of the day.”

About 70 percent of all fatalities and injuries related to winter weather stem from vehicle accidents. And 25 percent occur when people are caught out in the storm.

The best prevention strategy is, of course, to stay home and off the roads. That not only keeps you safe, but police and other emergency response workers have less to worry about and potentially fewer accidents to follow up.

If you must travel, pack a safety kit. Charge your phone.

And if blizzard conditions force you to pull over, the Iowa State Patrol stresses one thing over all others: Remain in your car, unless it's stuck in a hazardous position.

Also, stay calm, call 911. Keep your seat belt on and turn on your vehicle's headlights and hazard lights.

If you are in an accident, don't assume other drivers are aware of what happened. They could encounter the same visibility problems or slick spot that you did.

And if you spot an accident, slow down, pull over and call 911.

A storm such as the one we're dealing with can last two or three days or even longer, so delay non-vital travel as long as possible.

For those riding it out at home, hopefully you have stocked up by now on necessities such as food, bottled water and medicine. In there's an extended power outage and you use an emergency heating source, such as a fireplace or woodstove, be diligent about maintaining proper use and check it frequently.

Especially if you have elderly neighbors, or those with special needs, tell them you are home and see if they need help.

Regardless of how much snow we get from this storm, it will deliver strong winds and extremely cold weather. Frostbite and hyperthermia, which can kill, are threats. So if you must go outside, protect yourself and don't stay out any longer than necessary.

Several online sites, including gazetteonline.com and kcrg.com, offer updates and advice on dealing with winter weather. The National Weather Service's Winter Storms has a guide at www.weather.gov/os/winter

storm/winterstorms.pdf

Mostly, though, this is about common sense. Let's all use it.