October 9, 2025

logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
OSDH encourages preparedness for winter weather
news
December 13, 2018
OSDH encourages preparedness for winter weather

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages the public to take safety precautions for the upcoming winter weather. Proper planning can reduce the risk of injury and illness while

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages the public to take safety precautions for the upcoming winter weather. Proper planning can reduce the risk of injury and illness while also ensuring a family is prepared for a major winter weather event.

Cold outdoor temperatures require residents to monitor not only their home temperature, but their body temperature as well. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises infants less than 1 year of age should never sleep in a cold room because infants lose body heat more easily than adults. Room temperatures should remain above 65 degrees.

In a sleeping area, babies should not be wrapped in blankets, but rather dressed in warmer clothing such as footed pajamas. Also, a baby’s face and head should not be covered while sleeping.  

It is important not to over bundle a baby, because overheating can be dangerous as well. Parents and caregivers should watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or the baby’s chest feeling hot to the touch.

If a comfortable indoor temperature cannot be maintained, temporary arrangements should be made to stay elsewhere.

It is also important for adults age 65 and older to remain in a warm environment as they often make less body heat because of a slower metabolism and less physical activity.

Scott Sproat, director of the OSDH Emergency Preparedness and Response Service, said it’s important to use caution when heating a home with a fireplace, space heater or wood stove, using them only when they are properly vented.

“You can protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector,” said Sproat. “Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside the house, in basements, in garages, or near windows. It’s also important to have chimneys cleaned and inspected each year.”

Other tips to prepare for winter weather include:

Wear multiple layers of clothing to stay warm, as well as a hat, scarf, mittens, a water-resistant jacket and boots. Stay as dry as possible, as water against the skin from wet clothing can chill the body quickly.  

Be prepared if basic services such as water, gas, electricity or telephones are cut off for an extended period of time. Those who depend on electricity to operate medical equipment should have alternate arrangements.

Vehicles should be winterized before winter storm season. Check the tread on all tires and make sure they are not too worn to risk losing traction on the road. Keep the gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

Carry extra clothing, blankets and high energy snacks, such as trail mix or protein bars in your car for protection if the car stalls.

Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Stay informed. Know what National Weather Service winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings mean. Learn more about weather advisories at nws.noaa.gov .

For more information about preparing for winter weather and other events, visit www.ready.gov.

City council names new board member
A: Main, news
City council names new board member
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
October 8, 2025
The Eufaula City Council is once again at full force after months of working with only four board members. Monday night the Council appointed James Mason Dobbs, 29, to fill the position of Freeholder ...
Thank a Newspaper
A: Main, news
Thank a Newspaper
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
October 8, 2025
If you’re reading this, thank your local newspaper. It exists because your local community supports and values the importance of community news. We live in a world of rapidfire information. Algorithms...
Ford provides food for the needy
A: Main, news
Ford provides food for the needy
October 8, 2025
Sam Wampler Freedom Ford of Eufaula spent a week gathering food that will be available to anyone who needs it at Under One Roof. It was a generous effort by the dealership, who turned over a truck-loa...
Library Friends to lead historical tour of Greenwood Cemetery
A: Main, news
Library Friends to lead historical tour of Greenwood Cemetery
By Danielle Burchfield 
October 8, 2025
Put on your walking shoes, grab a sun-shading hat, bring some cool water, and enjoy a walking tour of Greenwood Cemetery. The tour starts at 1 p.m. Friday, October 17. It is offered by the Friends of ...
A: Main, news
OU – Texas Traffic Report: heavy traffic
October 8, 2025
The I-35 Southern Corridor will be open to two lanes in each direction from Oklahoma City to the Texas state line from Friday to Sunday, according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The I-3...
Quilting is more than sewing to these quilters
A: Main, news
Quilting is more than sewing to these quilters
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
October 8, 2025
Dozens of colorful quilts were on display at the biannual “Quilts by the Lake” show held Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 am. to 4 p.m. at the North Fork Baptist Church. The Piece Makers Quilt Guild, which me...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A: Main, news
CASA urgently needs volunteers
October 8, 2025
CASA for Children is urgently seeking at least 25 additional community members to step in and serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA Volunteers) for children living in foster care across Mus...
Operators of daycare center accused of abuse
A: Main, news
Operators of daycare center accused of abuse
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
October 8, 2025
A Checotah couple running a daycare center out of their home is accused of abusing children under their care, according to police. After a lengthy investigation that began on July 7, Checotah police a...
news
brings untold stories to life at Eufaula library Beadtelling
October 8, 2025
CORRECTIONS: The Indian Journal ran a story on Beadtelling in the September 25 issues that contained a number of errors. The following is the corrected version of the story: On Sept. 19, the Eufaula M...
news
Trick-or-Treating with Autism: A Parent’s Guide to a Stress-Free Halloween
By MATT ROKOWSKY CEO, ABOVE AND BEYOND THERAPY ABTABA.COM 
October 8, 2025
Halloween is often a time of joy for many kids, as it is filled with costumes and the excitement of trick-or-treating. However, for some families (particularly those with children on the autism spectr...
Fall Forum is chance to propose youth policy ideas
commentary
Fall Forum is chance to propose youth policy ideas
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
October 8, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Each year, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) holds our Fall Forum to look at trends in child health, safety, and well-being. We invite advocates from across the state to...
Facebook

THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
100 N. 2nd Street
Eufaula, OK 74432

(918) 689-2191

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy