MONROE - Tanna McKeon, Green County Emergency Management coordinator, encourages everyone to take the time to prepare for winter weather.
McKeon advises motorists to putting together an emergency supply kit for the home and car. It should include a three-day supply of food and water for each person, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra flashlights and batteries. Additional tips on putting together emergency supply kits is available online at Ready Wisconsin,readywisconsin.wi.gov, or call Green County Emergency Management at (608) 328-9416.
In preparation for winter weather, update these supplies:
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways and sand to improve traction.
n Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel. In the event of a storm, regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for fireplaces. Never use a generator or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm.
Other tips are:
- Make a family communications plan. A family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how to will contact one another. Cell phones may not work during power outages or large emergencies.
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS) and public safety officials. Be alert to changing weather conditions.
- Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep an emergency supply kit in the vehicle. Don't take chances of traveling during heavy snowstorms.
- Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
Finally, be familiar with weather terms. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues winter storm warnings and watches.
n Winter Storm Watch - Winter storm conditions (heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain) are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours.
- Winter Storm or Ice Storm Warning - A significant winter event is occurring or will begin in the next 24 hours. The combination of snow, sleet, freezing rain and moderate winds will impact travel and outdoor activities. An ice storm warning is issued when mostly freezing rain is expected with ice accumulations of 1/2 inch or more within a 12-hour period.
- Blizzard Warning - A dangerous event with winds that are 35 mph or greater in combination with falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to 1/4 mile or less for a duration of at least three hours.
McKeon advises motorists to putting together an emergency supply kit for the home and car. It should include a three-day supply of food and water for each person, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra flashlights and batteries. Additional tips on putting together emergency supply kits is available online at Ready Wisconsin,readywisconsin.wi.gov, or call Green County Emergency Management at (608) 328-9416.
In preparation for winter weather, update these supplies:
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways and sand to improve traction.
n Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel. In the event of a storm, regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for fireplaces. Never use a generator or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm.
Other tips are:
- Make a family communications plan. A family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how to will contact one another. Cell phones may not work during power outages or large emergencies.
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS) and public safety officials. Be alert to changing weather conditions.
- Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep an emergency supply kit in the vehicle. Don't take chances of traveling during heavy snowstorms.
- Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
Finally, be familiar with weather terms. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues winter storm warnings and watches.
n Winter Storm Watch - Winter storm conditions (heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain) are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours.
- Winter Storm or Ice Storm Warning - A significant winter event is occurring or will begin in the next 24 hours. The combination of snow, sleet, freezing rain and moderate winds will impact travel and outdoor activities. An ice storm warning is issued when mostly freezing rain is expected with ice accumulations of 1/2 inch or more within a 12-hour period.
- Blizzard Warning - A dangerous event with winds that are 35 mph or greater in combination with falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to 1/4 mile or less for a duration of at least three hours.