IEMA,
National Weather Service encourage people to prepare for winter
weather
November
is Winter Storm Preparedness Month in Illinois
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[November 06, 2012]
SPRINGFIELD -- While the winter
of 2011-12 brought warmer temperatures and little snow, history
shows that's more the exception than the rule for Illinois winters.
Freezing temperatures, snow and ice are the norm for most winters in
the state, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the
National Weather Service are encouraging people to begin preparing
now for those hazards.
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IEMA and the NWS will highlight winter storm preparedness throughout
November as part of their annual Winter Storm Preparedness campaign.
"After a long, hot summer, many people have welcomed the cooler fall
temperatures," said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. "But dangerous
winter weather, like extreme cold, heavy snow and ice, is just
around the corner. During November, we'll be encouraging people to
get prepared so they can stay safe at home and when they travel this
winter."
A winter storm preparedness guide developed by IEMA, the NWS and
the American Red Cross covers winter weather terms and tips for
staying safe at home, in the car, and at work or school. The
guide is available on the Ready Illinois website at
www.ready.illinois.gov
or by calling 217-785-9925.
Severe winter weather can cause widespread power outages and
dangerous driving conditions. That's why IEMA and the NWS recommend
emergency supply kits for your home and vehicle.
A home emergency supply kit should be stocked with items to help
residents stay safe for at least three days. The kits should include
a battery-powered National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
weather-alert radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, nonperishable
food, water, a first-aid kit, extra medications, and special items
needed for babies, disabled or elderly family members and family
pets.
A vehicle emergency preparedness kit can help travelers stay safe
and warm until help arrives. A car or truck kit should include a
cellphone and charger, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit,
snack foods and water, blankets, extra clothing, gloves and hats,
sand or kitty litter, shovel, windshield scraper, and a tool kit.
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"Last winter was rather uneventful as far as winter weather goes
in Illinois," said Chris Miller, warning coordination meteorologist
with the NWS office in Lincoln. "It's been quite a long time since
we've faced winter conditions on Illinois roadways. That's why this
year it is even more important that everyone think about safe winter
driving practices and get their vehicles prepared for snow, sleet
and ice."
Motorists should take special precautions when traveling during
the winter months. Always check the latest weather conditions along
your travel route before leaving on a trip. Travel during daylight
hours on main roads and provide your itinerary to a friend, relative
or co-worker.
If you become stranded, pull as far off the road as possible, set
your hazard lights to flashing, and hang or tie a colored cloth
(preferably red) to your antenna, window or door. Stay in your
vehicle, where rescuers are most likely to find you.
Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, and then run
the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open
a window slightly for ventilation when the engine is running, and
periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.
For more information about winter storm preparedness, visit the
Ready Illinois website at www.ready.illinois.gov.
[Text from
Illinois
Emergency Management Agency file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |