December 1, 2006
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
SOUTHWEST REGION NEWS SERVICE
Contact: Dr. Gordon Carriker, agriculture business specialist
Headquartered in Christian County
Tel: (417) 581-3558
E-mail: carrikerg@missouri.edu

Be Safe: Prepare For Deceptively Deadly Winter Storms

Winter storms are considered deceptive killers according to Dr. Gordon Carriker, agriculture business specialist with University of Missouri Extension. He also coordinates MU Extension’s emergency response team in southwest Missouri.

“The leading cause of death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation accidents. Exhaustion and heart attacks caused by overexertion are the two other most likely causes of winter storm-related deaths,” said Carriker.

Elderly people account for the largest percentage of hypothermia victims. 

Many older Americans literally freeze to death in their own homes after being exposed to dangerously cold indoor temperatures, or are asphyxiated because of improper use of fuels.
 
“House fires occur more frequently in the winter due to lack of proper safety precautions when using alternate heating sources. Fire during winter storms presents a greater danger because water supplies can freeze and it can be difficult to get equipment to the fire,” said Carriker.

For information on preparing for a winter storm, contact your local University of Missouri Extension center or go online to: http://extension.missouri.edu/emergency/winterstorm.html.

University of Missouri Extension programs focus on the high-priority needs of Missourians. Each county extension center, with oversight by locally elected and appointed citizens, is your local link to practical education on almost anything.
###