City residents encouraged to prepare for arctic conditions

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The City of Oklahoma City sends this information as posted below:

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With the chance of arctic conditions blowing into Oklahoma City, residents are encouraged to prepare for freezing temperatures. Here are some things you need to know:

Streets

If snow and ice begin to fall, City street crews will work around the clock to clear streets along the City’s snow routes until conditions improve. Neighborhood streets are not part of the snow routes and will not be treated.

People are encouraged to avoid driving during hazardous conditions. If you must drive, you should have someone to call in case you are stranded. If you get stranded, try to move your car off the road so other vehicles can safely pass.

• Stay on snow routes – Stay home if you can. If you must drive, stay on the City’s snow routes. Visit okc.gov/prepare to see the regional snow route map.
• Give plow/salt trucks space – Keep about 200 feet between your vehicle and salt/plow trucks.
• Accident tracker – Residents can view injury and noninjury accidents on OKC roads by logging on to the City’s accident tracker at okc.gov

People Who Are Unhoused

When forecasted temperatures dip below 32 degrees, Homeless Alliance, City Care, Salvation Army, City Rescue Mission, Sisu Youth and Pivot provide overflow beds for those seeking to get out of the cold. These resources are in addition to regular capacity at overnight shelters. Details about shelters can be found at keytohomeokc.org. People working in outreach are warning people who are unhoused about the forecast.

EMBARK

If there is a significant accumulation of snow, ice or freezing rain, some bus routes will be put on detour and others may be canceled. It is possible that buses won’t be able to serve parts of a route if the route becomes too dangerous to drive on. Before you leave, get the latest updates on delays and cancelations. Information on closures of EMBARK’s senior transportation and mobility management programs will be available by 6:30 a.m. at (405) 297-2583.

Will Rogers World Airport

During inclement weather, travelers should contact their airline to check on the status of their flight before leaving for the airport.

Oklahoma City Municipal Court

Oklahoma City Municipal Court sessions on Tuesday, Jan. 16. are canceled due to expected hazardous conditions and freezing temperatures. Defendants will be notified of their new court date. Presiding Judge Philippa C. James is granting continuances without a continuance fee for cases set on Wednesday, Jan. 17, for any defendant/attorney who requests one. The public counter will be open for those wanting to pay their fines in person. Payments can also be made by calling (405) 297-3898 or logging on to okc.gov.

OKC Zoo

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical will be closed Jan. 14-17.

Animal Welfare

If it is too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. Dog owners must protect their dogs from the elements when the temperature dips below 32 degrees.

When left alone in freezing weather for more than 30 minutes, many dog breeds will become frostbitten and could even freeze to death. If a dog dies after being exposed to extreme weather, the dog’s owner can be charged with a felony.

A dog is considered outside if it has an unheated doghouse or other unheated structure. The structure should have a safe heat source. Vehicles are not considered adequate shelter.

• Towel dry your pet immediately after they come inside, paying attention to their paws and stomach.
• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
• Dog houses without insulation are not enough to protect dogs from hypothermia. Freezing drinking water also poses a risk to pets.

Trash, Recycling and Bulky Waste Collection

While conditions are still unknown, we cannot determine how our operations will be affected. It is possible services may be postponed until later in the week depending upon road conditions or other operational limitations.

At this time, the only change in service extends to those with Monday trash and recycling collection, which has been moved to Wednesday, Jan. 17, due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The holiday will not affect bulky waste collection.

Any weather-related delays of service will be announced at a later date.

Regardless of weather conditions or delays, customers should set out and leave out their bulky waste based on their scheduled bulky collection day.

Protecting Your Pipes

During these winter weather events, some customers choose to drip their faucets to prevent pipes from freezing. If you do, here are a few tips:

• Only drip faucets on walls along the exterior of the home.
• Open cabinets underneath the sink to allow warm air to circulate and keep pipes warmer.
• It does not take a heavy flow of water to effectively prevent pipes from freezing. Only a small, steady drip or stream no wider than a pencil lead is needed.

Outdoor Water Lines

Here are some recommendations to try and prevent outside pipe breaks:

• If you have not done so, turn off your automatic sprinkler system so it does not turn on during the freezing weather.
• Remove garden hoses and cover outdoor water spigots.
• If you experience a water line break, shut the water off to limit the amount of excess water flow, and call Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833 for assistance.

Turn Off Sprinklers

Residents and business owners are asked to turn off sprinkler systems when the temperature drops below freezing. Oklahoma City Municipal Code prohibits the release or discharge of water onto streets and sidewalks. Water sprayed or drifting onto streets and sidewalks during freezing temperatures causes hazardous conditions for pedestrians and drivers. Accidents and injuries caused by ice may result in liability to the customer or property owner.

The City also recommends inspecting your sprinklers and irrigation systems for leaks and to confirm the system has been suspended or adjusted to prevent icy streets and sidewalks.

OG&E

All available units at OG&E’s power plants are operating and ready to support the grid during this cold snap and for the rest of the winter. OG&E has fuel on hand or available to purchase, if needed, to generate electricity for 5 to 6 days. OG&E has increased their natural gas storage to help support their natural power plants and coal inventories are at full levels at their coal power plants.

The current advisories do NOT include a request for the public to conserve power at this time. However, there are actions customers can take to manage their energy usage, which can help reduce stress on the regional power grid, including:  

• Setting thermostats lower than usual, if your health permits.
• Open drapes and blinds during the day to allow sunlight to warm the home and close them at night to preserve warmth.
• Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional oven when possible.
• Air-dry your dishes.
• Avoid using major electric appliances.
• Turn off lights and appliances that you are not using.
• Unplug small appliances, phone chargers, gaming systems, etc. when not in use.

While outages are not anticipated during this weather event, should you see downed power lines, stay away from them and anything they touch. Report downed power lines or outages at 800-522-6870. To receive outage information by text, phone or email you can sign up for myOGEalerts on OGE.com. You can also stay appraised of storm impacts at OG&E’s new online Storm Center.

ONG

Oklahoma Natural Gas is prepared to deliver natural gas safely and reliably to homes and businesses. They have purchased natural gas since this spring and placed it into storage for winter weather. They’ve increased storage, upgraded pipelines and expanded supply sources, including outside its service areas. ONG also deployed compressed natural gas (CNG) trailers to mitigate potential service disruptions. 

By following the tips below, people can reduce their natural gas bills. 

• Keep warm, not hot – if you’re too warm in your residence, turn your heat down.
• Hold off doing chores that involve using natural gas appliances until temperatures rebound.
• Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or the “warm” setting.
• Apply weatherstripping and caulk to seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows.
• Change or clean the filters on heating or air conditioning units.
• Install inexpensive foam gaskets to seal outlets and electrical switches.

EMSA

In addition to an uptick in its motor vehicle accident response during times of winter weather, extended severe cold weather can cause an uptick in hospitalizations. Residents with pre-existing health conditions should stay indoors and ensure any medical supplies like oxygen tanks are in adequate supply. Oxygen tanks should also be stored indoors, as colder oxygen can be hard to breathe. For more safety tips from EMSA, visit https://emsaonline.com/safetyresources/winter/.

Winter weather tips to help you prepare for storms:

Keep necessities on-hand

Items for winter storms to add to your disaster kit include extra non-perishable food and water for one or two weeks, extra blankets, coats, gloves, winter hats and water-resistant boots. Get extra medication, oxygen or other medical supplies.

Check on your neighbors

Check on elderly family members, friends and neighbors before, during and after storms. Don’t wait for them to ask for help.

Cell phones
Keep your cell phone charged in case of a power outage.

Safely Use Alternative Heating Sources

Fires at home are common in the winter because of improper use of dangerous heating sources. Here are some tips from the Fire Department:

• Make sure working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are properly installed in your home. Alarms should be installed inside each sleeping area, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Test your smoke alarms monthly and install fresh batteries twice per year when the time changes.
• Space heaters need space. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn (furniture, bedding, curtains, etc.) Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Keep all combustible materials away from floor furnaces.
• Remove any combustibles from central heater closets.
• Use a metal grate to hold logs inside fireplaces. Use an approved metal or glass screen in front of fireplaces to prevent embers from flying out of the firebox and into the home.
• Ensure the fire in the fireplace is completely extinguished before going to bed.
• Have fireplaces inspected and/or cleaned annually by a qualified chimney sweep specialist.
• Do not place hot fireplace ashes into dumpsters. Place ashes into a sealed metal container and store well away from the home for several days before final disposal.
• Remember to open the damper before lighting the fireplace.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Use portable generators outside and well away from the home. Position so that fumes and deadly carbon monoxide will not enter the home through doors, windows, or vents.

Dress for the conditions

Dressing in layers is key, as it not only keeps you warm but allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. Proper gloves, socks and footwear are essential. Choose headwear that keeps your head and ears warm. Ski masks can also help to warm your neck and warm the air you’re breathing.

Winter Driving

• If possible, avoid driving while streets are covered in ice and snow.
• Have your vehicle winterized by a qualified mechanic.
• Make sure your tires have adequate tread and pressure for the conditions.
• Reduce speeds.
• Fill up your gas tank.
• Allow more time to slow down and stop.
• Allow more space between you and the car in front of you.
• Be sure to use your headlights so your car is visible during inclement weather.
• Watch this video with winter driving tips.

Winter Weather Vehicle Emergency Preparedness Kit

• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• Jumper cables.
• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
• Compass and road maps.
• Shovel.
• Tire repair kit and pump.
• Flares.
• Extra clothing to keep dry and gloves.
• Sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction).
• Tow rope.

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