NEWS FROM THE
VALPARAISO POLICE DEPARTMENT Sgt. Michael Grennes 355 S Washington St. Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 (219) 462-2135 www.valparaisopolice.org
For Immediate Release February 2, 2011
Weather Preparation Information The National Weather Service as issued a Blizzard Warning beginning at 3 p.m. this afternoon for all of Northwest Indiana, including Valparaiso. Residents should expect heavy snow fall combined with winds to exceed 50 mph. These conditions combined with bitter cold will present dangerous conditions for motorists. Police are requesting all motorists limit their travel to an extreme necessity only. If you become stranded in your vehicle the following information will help keep you safe until help arrives. Pull off the highway (if possible), turn on your hazard lights and hang a distress flag from an antenna or window; if you have a phone, call 911 and describe your location as precisely as possible. Follow any instructions from the dispatcher. • Remain in your vehicle so help can find you; run your vehicle's engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. • Exercise a little to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion and sweating; drink fluids to avoid dehydration. • Don't waste your vehicle's battery power; balance electrical energy needs -- lights, heat and radio -- with supply; at night, turn on an inside light when you run the engine so help can see you. Dedication ~ Innovation ~ Integrity
~ 30 ~