Preparations in the metro begin ahead of major winter storm

Several agencies including the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) spoke with News 9 on Monday about the preparations they are taking ahead of the winter storm. 

“Over the weekend, we [responded to] 17 structure fires and there were a couple of ones that were caused by space heaters,” said John Chenoweth, Assistant Public Information Officer for Oklahoma City Fire Department (OKCFD). 

OKCFD explained that it is prepared to respond to the increase in calls that come around this time of year. 

“[There are] so many ways to heat your house that can cause your house to be on fire. We just need you to practice safety,” the fire department stated. 

It added that people using space heaters should keep the devices at least three feet away from furniture. 

For those braving the cold, the fire department suggested packing extra clothes and blankets in the car. 

“Make sure you have all the materials needed to scrape ice off your windshield. If needed, you can check the fluids in your car,” said Kalie Eldridge, Public Information Officer with ODOT. 

ODOT explained that bridges and overpasses tend to freeze first. 

“Things can look like they may be dry. There may be clear conditions, but you want to look for black ice and those things can be surprising for some travelers,” Eldridge warned. 

ODOT said its crews will be out starting at midnight on Monday and will work in 12-hour shifts until the roads are cleared. 

“All hands on deck. They will have people on shift until the storm completely passes and oftentimes, a couple of days after that,” ODOT added. 

The Department of Transportation said people can help by giving salt and brine trucks at least 200 feet of space, which is the length of approximately “four school buses.” 

ODOT recommended people download the free Drive Oklahoma app to get real-time updates about road conditions.