MVSKOKE RESERVATION – Snow found its way on the Mvskoke Reservation on Jan. 9, and stayed through the following weekend. Many districts across the reservation including Tulsa, Union and Broken Arrow closed due to cold weather and slick road conditions. Other districts such as Glenpool, Coweta and Sapulpa opted for distance learning. Many public transit services, including MetroLink Tulsa adjusted routes to accommodate dangerous road conditions. Muscogee (Creek) Nation, along with many other organizations closed in-person operations early to allow employees to avoid unsafe road conditions caused by snow and ice build up.
When sub-freezing temperatures hit it can make conditions hazardous for residents and motorists. MCN Emergency Management Department released tips on how to stay warm and safe during the winter season.
Power outages can raise big safety concerns for residents, resulting in disrupted communications, utilities and transportation. In 2021, the neighboring state of Texas was hit by a winter storm that infamously resulted in a power grid crisis that killed 246 residents. Many died due to hypothermia because they did not have heat in their home.
If the power goes out it is advised that residents keep an emergency kit outfitted with winter gear and blankets to stay warm. Freezers and refrigerators must be closed. Generators should only be used outdoors away from windows. Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat a house or apartment. Have an alternative plan for medicine that needs to be refrigerated or medicine that uses power-dependent devices. Winter clothing, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, first aid kits, as well as a three-day supply of water and food are always a good idea to have in place if severe winter weather is in the forecast.
For elders, it is recommended that all areas around the home have adequate lighting including walkways and stairways to avoid unforeseen objects or snags that may cause falls. Make sure all steps are sturdy and have a textured grip. If main entrances to the home become icy during winter months, use an alternative entrance. Walking aids like canes, walkers or wheelchairs should be dried off after being used outside in snowy conditions. A support network of friends or family members can be useful in helping clearing pathways to the home. Likewise, a support network can also check in on elders when conditions make it hard to leave the house.
When it comes to heating devices, plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip. This can overload the circuit, which can cause overheating, electrical sparks or even a fire. Likewise, space heaters need at least three feet of space from other objects. A 2021 report from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that space heaters cause an estimated 1,700 fires per year, resulting in approximately 80 deaths and 160 injuries annually.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heat sources including fireplaces, stoves or portable heaters. Never use an oven or gas range to heat a home. Likewise, generators, grills, or anything that burns natural gas or charcoal should be used indoors. Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors must be tested annually to make sure they are operable.
Staying Safe on the Road
For those that need to embark on the road during winter weather they will first need to clear all windshields and windows of snow or ice from their vehicle. Once the vehicle is ready to hit the road, motorists need to use extreme caution. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. If the vehicle begins to slide, stop using the gas and do not slam on the brakes. Rather, turn gently into the slide and do not panic or try to overcorrect. Just like in a house, keep an emergency kit handy. A sturdy roadside emergency kit will include warm clothes, food and kitty litter or sand in the event a vehicle gets stuck. In the event a motorist gets stranded, run the vehicle’s engine for 10 minutes per hour to run the heat and charge cell phones. Open a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and let in fresh air.
Being stranded on the side of the road can increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite causes the loss of feeling in the face, fingers and toes. Signs of hypothermia include white or grayish skin that is firm or waxy. When someone is showing signs of frostbite they need to go to a warm room and soak in warm water. Do not use artificial heat sources and do not massage the afflicted areas, it can cause further damage. Hypothermia is when the body hits an unusually low body temperature below 95 degrees. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion or drowsiness. Likewise when someone is showing signs of hypothermia they need to go to a warm room and replace any wet clothing with dry clothing.
A full list of winter weather safety tips released by MCN Emergency Management can be found here.
