Ready for the Winter?

Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Ready for the Winter? Winter is here, are you ready? Here are some helpful hints to prepare for the winter:

1. Create an emergency preparedness kit with at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for your home, office, and vehicle. A simple winter weather survival kit or go-kit can help take the stress off a difficult situation.

2. Make a list and a plan with your family and those that depend on you.

3. Stay informed and know what types of weather conditions you can expect at home and while traveling. Weather has a habit of changing without notice and can vary within a short distance.

Before

• Be aware of weather conditions.
• Keep your emergency kit handy.
• Know what to do if there is a power outage o Unplug sensitive electronic equipment o If you have special medical needs, do you have backup power available?
• Do you have safe supplemental heating sources? o Generators and gas grills need to be used outdoors in a well ventilated area.
• Check your quantities of essential Medications or medical needs.
• Have batteries for flashlights and radios on hand.
• Move vehicles into driveways or parking lots to clear roadways

During

• Keep track of the storm as it develops, use local media, or Weather radios.
• If there is a power outage o Conserve heat within the house o Use flashlight instead of candles o Have a certified electrician connect generators to house power grid. o Turn off water and drain pipes to prevent freezing.
• Call 9-1-1 for emergencies only.
• Do not travel unless you have to.
• If you travel check the road conditions, call ahead, and have a fully charged mobile phone.

If stranded along the road

• Stay with the vehicle!
• Call for help!
• Make sure vehicle is ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Only run vehicle when needed.
• Utilize your emergency kit and put on additional clothing/blankets.

Useful Websites

Road Conditions: Safe Travel USA http://www.safetravelusa.com/sd

Weather Conditions: National Weather Service http://www.weather.gov/fsd

Preparations: Lake County Emergency Management http://www.lakecountysd.com/lepc/ema.htm

Madison City E-Mail Alerts: http://www.cityofmadisonsd.com

NIXLE: http://www.nixle.com

Useful Telephone Numbers:

Lake County Communications Center: 256-7620 Road Conditions: 5-1-1 Emergencies: 9-1-1 Contact Information: Donald Thomson Lake County SD 605-256-7611 lakeema@lakecountysd.com

Information Provided By: Lake Co SD Emergency Management