FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sheriff Issues Winter Driving Preparedness Tips
-- More Snow Forecasted for March
Contact: Susan Lilly, Public Information Officer 970-729-2028
susanl@sanmiguelsheriff.org
March 10, 2019 -- (Telluride, CO) – Recent heavy snowfall means great skiing, but with it comes difficult driving conditions and increased avalanche risk. With more snow forecasted, Sheriff Bill Masters is issuing some emergency preparedness driving tips.
“To be clear, there is a lot more risk having a vehicle slide-off or collision than getting caught in an avalanche while driving our mountain roads,” Sheriff Masters said.
The Sheriff also commended the work Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has done. “There has been a consistent commitment safety on our roads from CDOT with plowing and intensive avalanche mitigation work.”
Still, many in our community are talking about how to best mitigate their own risks while driving. For real time travel information, go to https://cotrip.org/home.htm for road conditions and closures, travel alerts, snowplow locations and interactive maps.
Here are some safety tips:
Winter Emergency Preparedness Driving Tips:
- Your Vehicle: front or all wheel drive is recommended, as are snow tires or all terrain tires.
- Food and Water: in a sealed container, store extra food or snacks and water.
- Clothing: extra warm clothing including wool socks, waterproof boots, warm jacket, hat and gloves.
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
- Equipment and knowledge to change a tire.
- Small shovel in the event you need to dig your car out from snow.
- First aid kit.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to tell someone where you are going, when you expect to arrive and return. In severe winter weather driving conditions, avoid travel when possible.
If you are delayed or stuck on roadway due to an emergency incident:
- Call 911 if you are first on scene or have an emergency.
- Remain calm and be patient.
- Look for emergency information via the radio or social media.
- Stay in your vehicle unless it is unsafe to do so or an emergency responder gives you other direction.
- Turn your engine off and run it only to use heat if necessary and sparingly.
- If possible, call or text someone reliable to let them know your whereabouts.
“We are aware of increased awareness and concern about the risks of avalanches,” Sheriff Masters said. “The most dangerous place to be right now is in the backcountry.”
In the unlikely event you are in your car and get caught in an avalanche:
- Call 911.
- Turn off your vehicle and crack your window.
- Stay in your vehicle as long as it is safe to do so or emergency responders instruct you otherwise.
To receive important emergency incident notifications:
For San Miguel County Emergency Preparedness Information: http://www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/174/Emergency-Management follow San Miguel County Sheriff on Facebook or @SheriffAlert on Twitter and be sure you are signed up to receive CodeRED emergency alerts via text, cell, and/or landline.
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The San Miguel Sheriff’s Office, located in Telluride, Colorado and established in 1883, serves 7,800 residents and countless visitors across the 1,288 square miles of San Miguel County. Sheriff Bill Masters has been serving as the county’s elected Sheriff since 1980