The Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is in the process of deactivating. After noon today (Tuesday, October 30, 2012) all non-emergency calls relating to Emergency Services should be forwarded to Shaunda Rauch, Director at (304) 842-8200 x252, srauch@bridgeportwv.com; the Bridgeport Police Department (304) 842-8260; or Bridgeport Fire Department (304) 842-8252. If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.  [NOTE:  Bridgeport Trick-or-Treating is still on for Wednesday, October 31st beginning at 6PM]

 

The weather outlook for our area according to our weather partner, Jason Parrish is rain and snow this morning and then generally just rain this afternoon breezy and cool. 

 

·        Event cancelled. Wind Advisory from 10/30/2012 10:49 AM to 5:00 PM EDT for Pleasants County, Doddridge County, Gilmer County, Barbour County, Upshur County, Tyler County, Braxton County, Taylor County, Lewis County, Ritchie County, Harrison County. More information athttp://inws.wrh.noaa.gov/weather/alertinfo/7989726

 

·        Event Cancelled for Barbour County and Braxton County and Doddridge County and Gilmer County and Harrison County and Lewis County and Taylor County and Upshur County

Areal Flood Watch valid from Oct 30 10:31 AM to Oct 31 2:00 AM EDT

 

 

Don’t forget … (and please share)

 

The Bridgeport Department of Emergency Services and Jason Parrish (WBOY-TV) are proud to bring to you a “Meet Your Weatherman ... Weather Talk”. 

 

Come and learn about and how to be prepared for

“SEVERE WINTER WEATHER”

on

Thursday, November 15^th 2012

at

7:15 PM

in the

Bridgeport City Council Chambers, 515 West Main Street – Municipal Complex

 

Severe winter storms can cause widespread damage and disruption.  Heavy snow often results in paralyzed transportation systems, automobile accidents due to slippery roads and stranded vehicles. Glazing from ice storms topples utility lines and poles and makes travel virtually impossible.  These conditions can be a threat to life. Nearly 70 people in the U.S. die from winter storms and extreme cold every year, and about 1,300 are killed in winter weather-related traffic accidents. 

 

Come learn and get ready Bridgeport ... “Jack Frost” is on his way.

 

 

There are some slick sections of roadways here in Bridgeport and severe winter weather conditions across the State.  The Bridgeport Emergency Services Departments and responders ask you to take extra time and caution when travelling.  Below are some safe driving and preparedness tips to follow when driving in snow and ice. 

 

Driving in Snow and Ice

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

 

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

 

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared (TIPS), and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

 

Driving safely on icy roads

1.     Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

2.     Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

3.     Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

4.     Keep your lights and windshield clean.

5.     Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

6.     Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

7.     Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

8.     Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

9.     Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

 

If your rear wheels skid...

1.     Take your foot off the accelerator.

2.     Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.

3.     If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.

4.     If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.

5.     If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

 

If your front wheels skid...

1.     Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.

2.     As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

 

If you get stuck...

1.     Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.

2.     Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.

3.     Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.

4.     Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.

5.     Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.

6.     Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

 

Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services