Governor Ritter proclaims Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado

October 19, 9:17 AMDenver Weather ExaminerTony Hake

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The week of October 18th is Winter Weather
Preparedness Week in Colorado. (AP Photo)

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 occasions, Governor Ritter has proclaimed the week of October 18th to October 24th 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.  Examiner.com will be posting these here in the Denver Weather Examiner pages to help you be prepared.  Please take the time to read and heed these messages - your life and the lives of your loved ones could depend on it. 

From the National Weather Service:

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service
Grand Junction CO

..Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado...

Governor Bill Ritter has proclaimed the week of October 18th through October 24th 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.

Snow in Colorado is important to the farmers...the ski areas...and for filling up reservoirs. However...winter storms often bring heavy snow...bitterly cold temperatures...high winds...low visibilities and slick roads. This can lead to dangerous travel conditions and other life threatening situations such as avalanches and dangerously low wind chill temperatures.

To help you prepare for these hazards this coming winter...the National Weather Service will issue statements throughout the week to discuss:

• Winter Weather Preparedness Intro 
• Winter travel safety - Ensure you and your vehicle are ready 
• What does that weather warning mean? 
• High winds a major threat in Colorado during the winter 
• Life threatening winter weather - Wind chill, frostbite and hypothermia
• Avalanche safety - Be prepared or die 
• Winter Weather Preparedness Week recap 

Anyone who needs information on winter storms in Colorado should contact their nearest National Weather Service office.

Jim Pringle
Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Grand Junction