Winter weather in Colorado can be an inconvenience but more than that it can be deadly. Emergency preparedness for major winter storms – as well as for other types of severe weather – is an important part of living in a state where conditions can change wildly from one moment to the next. To help raise awareness of the need to be prepared for these occassions, Governor Ritter has proclaimed the week of October 19th to October 25th Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado.
The National Weather Service will be issuing Public Information Statements each day this week to highlight the dangers of winter weather and how best to be prepared. ThorntonWeather.com will be posting these notices here in our news section to help you be prepared. Please take the time to read and heed these messages – your life could depend on it.
From the National Weather Service:
Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Grand Junction CO
600 am MDT Sun Oct 19 2008
Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado
Governor Bill Ritter has proclaimed the week of October 19th through October 25th as winter weather preparedness week in Colorado. This is an excellent time for all individuals… families… businesses… schools… and media outlets to review their winter storm preparedness plans. It is especially important for all new arrivals to the state to become familiar with the national weather service watch and warning definitions as well as winter safety procedures.
Heavy snow in the mountains is important for the ski industry and for filling up reservoirs. However…winter storms also cause travel problems and can result in life threatening conditions.
The National Weather Service will issue public information statements throughout the week to discuss:
| Part 1 | Winter travel safety |
| Part 2 | Watches…warnings…and advisories |
| Part 3 | High winds |
| Part 4 | Wind chill temperatures and hypothermia |
| Part 5 | Avalanche safety |
| Review | Winter Weather Preparedness Week review |
Anyone who needs information on winter storms in Colorado should contact their nearest National Weather Service office.
| Boulder office | 303-494-3210 |
| Grand Junction office | 970-243-7007 |
| Goodland Kansas office | 785-899-7119 |
| Pueblo office… | |
| – If you live near Pueblo | 719-948-3371 |
| – If you live near Colorado Springs | 719-573-6846 |
| – If you live near Alamosa | 719-589-3232 |
Jim Pringle
Warning coordination meteorologist
Grand Junction
For more information: Colorado Division of Emergency Preparedness – Winter Weather Preparedness Week
This is good info for sure. Folks often times know what to prepare for, let alone how to. I am looking forward to reading the series.