Slow down. It is harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, increase your following distance enough, so you have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
Don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside the truck. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, often stop, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow.
If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, stay focused on yourself, your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.
Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:
Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible.
For electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, decrease the drain on the battery. In general, lithium-ion batteries have reduced energy at lower temperatures.
Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out. If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you have to go out, ensure you are prepared if you become delayed while traveling. If making a long road trip when winter weather is forecasted, consider leaving early or changing your departure to avoid being on the roads during the worst of the storm.
Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go—even if you use a GPS—and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time. On longer trips, plan enough time to stop to stretch, get something to eat, check your phone, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy.
Did you Know?
Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
S.E. Thurston Fire Authority seeks applicants for Fire Commissioner vacancy in Sub Region 3, Position 1. (see map)
The Board of Commissioners oversees the Fire Authority’s long-term vision and guides the staff in achieving the goals of the Fire Authority. Fire Commissioners attend board meetings once a month and as needed.
Individuals interested in applying should submit a letter of interest to Fire Chief Mark King by 5 December. Letters may be submitted electronically by email to Chief1@setfa.org or hand delivered to the main station located at 709 Mill Road SE in Yelm. First review of applications is 7 December 2022.
Individual who have submitted letters of interest should also plan to attend the December 7, 2022 Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on December 7, 2022 at 1700 for interviews.
Whomever is appointed to this position will serve until 2023 and will have to run for re-election then.
Closeup autumn leaves on park grass at sunset
Knights of Columbus will be distributing jackets on Saturday, November 26th at St Columban Catholic Church, 9am-1pm. Jackets will be distributed on a first come first serve basis (Sizes and style may vary.)
For more information on the distribution or sizes of jackets available please contact Darren Johnson at 253-709-4588 or email darrenjohnson61@gmail.com
Jacket distribution is hosted by the St Columban Council 17152 Yelm, WA
Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all. In short, thank you for your service!
A brush fire broke out Wednesday off SR 507 in Yelm. A few houses were evacuated, and road was closed but fire is now contained as of 2:04 pm
