As Winter Takes Hold in Oklahoma, Here’s How You Can Stay Safe, Warm, and Ready

MIAMI, Okla. - December 17, 2024

Winter weather can be enchanting — the soft snowflakes, cozy sweaters, and warm drinks, but it also brings its fair share of hazards.

Between power outages, icy roads, and frozen pipes, there’s no time like the present to prepare for the season ahead. Consider this your guide to staying safe, stylishly snug, and stress-free throughout the winter season.

Understanding weather alerts helps you plan ahead.

Winter Storm Watch: Winter weather conditions might arrive within 24-48 hours. This is your cue to prep.

Winter Storm Warning: Significant snow, ice, or sleet is a definite threat. Time to hunker down.

Blizzard Warning: High winds and blowing snow with near-zero visibility for hours — best stay home and turn it into a self-care day.

Pro Tip: Make sure your weather apps are updated, and subscribe to local alerts for timely forecasts.

Cold temps can be brutal when the power goes out. Here’s how to stay toasty without sacrificing safety:

Charge Your Essentials: Keep phones, laptops, and portable chargers at 100%. Staying connected matters.

Layer Like a Pro: Think cute and practical — thermal leggings, thick socks, cozy sweaters, and blankets will keep you warm and stylish.

Mind the Fire: Before using your fireplace, make sure it’s clean and safe to operate.

Carbon Monoxide 101: Never use gas stoves, propane heaters, or charcoal grills indoors. Battery-operated CO detectors are a must-have.

Space Heater Safety: Keep heaters three feet away from anything flammable — blankets, curtains, and decor included.

Self-Care Tip: Break out the candles for ambiance but keep LED lanterns or flashlights handy to avoid fire risks. Think hygge — warm tea, blankets, and a good book can make an outage more comfortable.

Protect Your Pipes — Don’t Let Them Burst Your Bubble! Frozen pipes are messy, expensive, and completely avoidable with these tips:

1. Disconnect Garden Hoses: Remove hoses and cover outdoor spigots with insulated covers.

2. Open Cabinet Doors: Let warm air circulate pipes under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom.

3. Drip, Drip, Drip: Allow faucets along exterior walls to drip steadily overnight.

4. Wrap Pipes: Use pipe insulation on any exposed plumbing in basements, attics, or garages.

5. Turn Off Sprinklers: Shut down irrigation systems to avoid surprise bursts in spring.

Winter Driving: Travel Like a Boss in Cold Weather

While staying home in your coziest loungewear is ideal, sometimes you’ve got places to be. If you’re hitting the road, here’s how to drive like a winter-weather pro:

Prep Your Ride: Check antifreeze, tire pressure, windshield wipers, and battery health.

Take Your Time: Leave early, drive slow, and increase following distance — icy roads don’t forgive speeding.

Skid Smart: If you lose control, steer into the skid and avoid overcorrecting.

Fuel Up: Keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent freezing fuel lines and to stay ready for emergencies.

Car Essentials for Winter:

Ice scraper, snow shovel, and de-icer

Soft blankets, a cozy pair of mittens, and rain-proof gear

Bottled water and snack packs — think protein bars, trail mix, and chocolate (because chocolate fixes everything)

Sand or cat litter for added tire traction on icy surfaces

Jumper cables, a flashlight with spare batteries, and a portable phone charger

Look Out for Family, Friends, and Furry Companions. Winter weather isn’t just about you — keeping loved ones and pets safe is essential:

Check on Loved Ones: Call or text friends, family, and neighbors to ensure they’re prepped, especially older adults or single moms nearby.

Bring Pets Indoors: Your furry friends need warmth, too. For livestock, provide shelter and non-frozen drinking water.

Pet-Friendly Tip: Keep stylish, waterproof paw booties and sweaters on hand for walks in snow and slush. Your fur baby will thank you.

A little preparation goes a long way to keeping you and your loved ones warm, safe, and ready to take on the winter season. Whether you’re bundled up with hot cocoa at home or braving the roads, planning ahead is your best defense against Mother Nature’s frosty mood swings.

When snowstorms strike, remember: cozy layers, calm planning, and a well-prepped home make all the difference.