JEFFERSON CITY — It looks like the groundhog might have been a little off with his predictions of an early spring. In light of recent weather events, I’d like to pass along safety tips in order to keep citizens of the 21st District safe and informed.

One of the biggest hazards of the winter season is travel. The best idea is to be prepared for such an occasion with some forethought and just a few helpful items.

To be prepared, every vehicle should have a basic emergency kit, stocked with first-aid items, non-perishable food, drinking water, flashlight, and perhaps a dependable lighter and a few candles. In extreme cold, that should also include warming items, such as blankets, extra coats, mittens or gloves, scarves, and even hand/foot warming packs. Especially during expected winter weather, brightly colored fabric like a bandana, a shovel, and dry material, like kitty litter, is helpful should you find yourself stuck in snow or ice.

Having a plan in place prior to travel is always the best safety precaution. Let others know your travel route in case you are prevented from reaching your destination. Remember to utilize your emergency flashing lights to make yourself visible to other travelers on the road. You can also tie a piece of brightly colored fabric to your antennae. In the event that your vehicle becomes stuck, always stay with your car. Leave your emergency flashers running to alert road crews and stay in the vehicle, as it provides shelter and protection from the elements. If you need to run the engine for warmth, only do so for about 10 minutes every hour. Make sure your exhaust pipe isn’t blocked. Remember, the biggest asset in any potentially dangerous situation is your own ability to stay calm.

The Missouri Department of the Transportation provides a map on its website, www.modot.org, to keep citizens up-to-date or road conditions. Traveler information is provided on the front page, with an online map and the option to have text alerts sent to citizens’ cell phone. If you wish to speak to a person, you can call 1-888-ASKMODOT (1-888-275-6636). MoDOT has also expanded its Traveler Information Map app for smart phones. This app provides the same information as the online map in a more convenient way to keep up with our mobile world. You can find the app in your smart phone’s app store or check out their home page.

Even if you stay home during winter storms, you should be aware of potential dangers. Snow falls in different forms, but it is typically the wet, heavy snow that causes serious damage to property. Check the roof on your home to ensure that snow build-up is evenly distributed. The weight of snow can cause your roof to buckle. Another possible problem can occur when snow melts. As it melts, it can refreeze when exposed to colder air, causing ice dams. These ridges of ice can block water from running off and, instead, force water under roof material, damaging the interior. Frozen pipes can be an inconvenience, too. Make sure pipes exposed to frigid air are wrapped or insulated. In addition, leave cabinets open to circulate warm air around interior pipes or turn faucets on to trickle water through to keep pipes from freezing or bursting.

Should your home lose power for an extended period of time, there are a few ways to minimize the nuisance. If you have a generator, please use caution, and pay attention to all manufacturers’ suggested precautions. Make sure you have flashlights and extra batteries, as candles should not be relied upon as a continual light source. Layering clothing and wearing a wool hat will retain the most body heat. Close off any rooms you don’t need immediately, and remember to eat high-energy, nutritious meals to keep your body producing its own heat.

Missouri is lucky in that citizens are able to experience the beauty of all four seasons. There is no need to fear the potential of hazardous weather as long as you are aware of a few simple tips. However, accidents do happen. If possible, family and friends always appreciate a check-in from loved ones during inclement weather. That’s one of the great things about our state; we take the time to care for one another.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.