City of Joplin preparing for winter storm, tips provided

(From the City of Joplin)

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch beginning early Tuesday Feb. 18 and continuing through the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Medium-to-high chances for heavy snowfall, potentially over 5 inches in the Joplin area in addition to dangerously cold temperatures.

Hazardous conditions could impact Tuesday morning and evening commutes.

Here's how the City of Joplin is preparing:

We’re keeping a close eye on the weather, and keeping crews and first responders updated on what to expect and how to manage the impacts.

If air is anticipated to be dry before snow begins falling, Public Works crews will pre-treat roads with mixture of beet juice and brine (salty water) to try to create a barrier on road surfaces to prevent snow from sticking and creating slippery conditions and making it easier to plow away the snow. If rain is anticipated before the snow, pretreatment cannot be used because rain will just wash it off the roads. In this case, we will salt roads before and during snowfall to try to help melt the winter precipitation and plow to remove accumulated snow.

Our crews focus on bridges first, then main roads, and known dangerous areas such as hills and curves which are particularly treacherous when slick.

The City is in contact with MoDOT and Joplin Special Road District during winter weather conditions to coordinate efforts and share information to ensure the safety of our community.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), along with Jasper and Newton County services, will maintain highways, county roads, and some major arteries (7th Street, East 32nd Street).

Stay safe and warm

We’re encouraging Joplin community members to make plans for this winter storm and prepare in case heavy snowfall creates dangerous road conditions or causes tree branches and powerlines to fall.

You should stay indoors if possible during extremely low temperatures.

If your home struggles to keep you warm in potentially -10 degree temperatures, make plans to move to a warmer shelter location before road conditions get bad.

Remember, don’t have anything flammable within 3 feet of space heaters, and...

DO NOT operate generators indoors or where rising exhaust can be funneled back into your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check on your loved ones and neighbors to ensure they are sheltering safely.

Report Illegally Occupied Structures:

Report illegally occupied structures which are dangerous and should be vacant.

Fires started in these locations for warmth can kill the occupants and fires can spread to neighboring homes or buildings.

Shelter Options:

Dangerous cold temperatures can cause frostbite and death if exposed for too long.

Warming shelters will be open 24/7 once temperatures begin to drop. For details on shelter locations, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/thcjaspernewton

Driving In Winter Weather:

When road conditions are dangerous, please stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Weather conditions may cause extremely lengthy response times for first responders to get to auto accidents.

If you need to get out on the road, be sure to have supplies in your vehicle in case you slide off the road or become stranded:

Full tank of gas
Bottled water
Blankets
Make sure cell phones have a full charge.

Be Safe Outside In Extreme Cold:

When going outside, cover all parts of your skin. Dress in multiple layers.

If kids get a snow day off from school, remember that while heavy snow accumulations can be fun to play in, dangerously cold temperatures forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday mean playing in the snow for too long can be dangerous to your health.

Keep Pets Warm:

Bring pets indoors and avoid prolonged periods outdoors.