Wolf Administration Urges Public to Use Caution, Put Safety First for Travel

Wolf Administration Urges Public to Use Caution, Put Safety First for
Travel

2/8/2017-HARRISBURG

With widespread winter weather predicted for much of Pennsylvania and
impacts
to Thursday's morning rush hour in the eastern and south-central regions,
Governor Tom Wolf reminds motorists to be mindful during winter weather
conditions.

"Pennsylvania agencies are working together to closely monitor the storm
and we
strongly encourage you to do the same," said Governor Wolf. "You should
prepare
for the worst and make sure you have appropriate supplies for your loved
ones
before the snow arrives."

"Generally speaking, most of the state hasn't seen a lot of snow this
winter,"
said Richard D. Flinn Jr., Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency
Management
Agency (PEMA). "The Commonwealth Response Coordination Center at PEMA will
be
activated early tomorrow morning, and staff from multiple state agencies
will
be working there and ready to respond as needed for the duration of this
storm."

During a storm, PennDOT's primary goal is to keep roads passable, not
completely free of ice and snow. In some instances to enhance safety,
PennDOT
may temporarily reduce speed limits on expressways and interstates. PennDOT

will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation
stops
and roads are clear. Also, higher volume roads take priority.

"PennDOT's 4,800 on-the-road workers are ready and will be on duty
throughout
tomorrow's storm to keep roads passable," said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S.
Richards. "But we count on drivers to do their part by following some
simple
guidelines:"

• Monitor weather forecasts and postpone travel if necessary, especially
over
long distances during the storm.
• Slow down while driving when snow is falling and always wear your seat
belt.
Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicles you are following.
• During squalls or whiteouts, do not stop on the roadway. Come to a
complete
stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when
there
is a safe area to do so.
• When encountering plows, stay at least six car lengths behind an
operating
plow truck and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck.
• When a plow is approaching you, move as far from the center of the road
as is
safely possible and remember that snow can obscure the actual snow plow
width.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including

color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles by visiting www.511PA.com.
PennDOT's Automated Vehicle Locator plow tracking tool is being expanded to
all
of the more than 2,200 PennDOT-owned and rented plow trucks, with vehicle
locations viewable on 511PA.

Families should check to make sure their home emergency kits are fully
stocked
with essential items. A home emergency kit should contain:
• Non-perishable food;
• Bottled water (one gallon per person per day. A family of four needs a
minimum of 12 gallons);
• Medications;
• Flashlight with spare batteries;
• First aid kit;
• Warm clothing; and
• Any specialized items such as baby supplies or pet food.

PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A
basic
kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and
warm
clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into
account
special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications
and
pack accordingly. Free emergency kit checklists for your vehicle or home
and
family emergency plan templates are available online at www.ReadyPA.org.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is advising residents that heavy, wet

snow is harder to shovel, which can put extra stress on the body and heart.

While shoveling snow, everyone should take plenty of breaks and listen to
their
body.

"This storm will blanket much of Pennsylvania with heavy, wet snow," said
Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy. "Shoveling any type of snow can be
dangerous for individuals with underlying health conditions or those who
don't
normally perform strenuous duties. Heavy, wet snow increases the amount of
exertion that is required when shoveling. We are urging everyone to stay
safe
by following commonsense tips when removing snow after this storm."

Follow these additional tips to make removing snow safer:
• If you have any heart attack symptoms, like pain in your chest or
shortness
of breath, stop shoveling and call 9-1-1;
• Consider shoveling in shifts instead of all at once;
• Take breaks and drink water to prevent dehydration;
• Push snow instead of lifting it – if you must lift, bend your legs and
not
your back;
• Avoid twisting motions that can stress your back; and
• If using a snow blower, follow all safety instructions and stay aware of
others who may be nearby.

For additional health and safety information, follow the departments of
Health
and Transportation as well as PEMA, on social media.

MEDIA CONTACT:

J.J. Abbott, Governor's Office– 717-783-1116
Rich Kirkpatrick, PennDOT – 717-783-8800, or after hours,
717-439-1787
Ruth A. Miller, PEMA – 717-651-2009 or ruthmiller@pa.gov
April Hutcheson, Department of Health – 717-783-1787

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