Hillsboro Police Department shares tips for staying safe during winter storms
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Street conditions in the City of Hillsboro are very slick and hazardous. Snow is falling at a rate difficult for street crews to keep up with. Some of the larger hills are difficult for most vehicles. The weather forecast indicates continuing snow throughout the rest of the day with a storm warning until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16. It is strongly recommended that anyone who doesn't need to be out should remain off the streets and roadways if possible. Below are some hazardous weather reminders.
Before you leave:
• Wake up early.
• Listen to the radio and television for updates on the weather, road, and traffic conditions.
• Advice someone of your travel plans so they know when to expect your return.
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended while it is warming up. Thieves are always looking for an easy target, not to mention you could be issued a ticket.
• Leave early, and don't rush. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Thank about alternate routes to avoid traffic problems.
• Pack a blanket and extra clothes in case you become stranded.
• Carry a cell phone and make sure it is charged.
• Pack a shovel, sand, or kitty litter to aid in getting out of snow drifts or ice patches.
Ensure your vehicle is safe to drive:
• Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly, and make sure your windshield is clear of frost and snow.
• Travel with at least a half of a tank of gas in case you become stranded or stuck in traffic.
• Make sure your tires have adequate tread to drive through heavy snow and ice.
• Check your windshield-washer fluid levels and carry extra in your vehicle.
• Have a qualified mechanic check your brakes and exhaust system.
• Make sure headlights, taillights, and turn signals work so other drivers can see you.
While you are out:
• Allow for extra stopping distance between you and other vehicles.
• Don't make sudden stops or erratic turns.
• If you become involved in an accident, check for injuries.. Call medical personnel and the police at 911 if anyone is injured.
• If there are no injuries and the vehicles can be safely driven from the roadway, move to a safe area off of the traveled part of the roadway and call police (Hillsboro Police's number is 393-3411).
• Exchange information with the other driver and file a police report as soon as practical if accident response restrictions are in place.
Pedestrians:
• Avoid walking in the street.
• Wear reflective tape or clothing so approaching vehicles can see you from a distance.
• Cross the roadway at marked crosswalks and intersections.
The Red Cross recommends that people follow these safety tips during the storm:
• Do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.
• Use generators correctly. Never operate a generator inside your home, including the basement or garage. Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets or the generator.
• Don't forget your pets. Bring them indoors. If you can't get them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm, and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
• If you must go outside, wear layered, lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
• After the storm, be careful if you have to shovel snow. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.
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