IEMA urges people to prepare for
snow, cold and ice
Illinois
averages 5 severe winter storms per year
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[November 14, 2009]
SPRINGFIELD -- Despite
November's balmy start, Illinois residents can be assured that the
cold temperatures, snow and ice that define Midwestern winters are
just around the corner. That's why the Illinois Emergency Management
Agency, the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross are
urging everyone during Winter Storm Preparedness Week, Nov. 15-21,
to prepare for winter's wrath.
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According to the National Weather Service, Illinois experiences
around five severe winter storms each year. However, during the
winter of 2007-08, there were 16 severe winter storms, five of which
affected one-third or more of the state. In fact, in the past
century there has not been an Illinois winter without at least one
severe winter storm."It's really not a question of ‘if' we'll
have bad weather this winter, but rather ‘when' it will occur," said
Andrew Velasquez III, director of the Illinois Emergency Management
Agency. "As we've seen in recent winters, these storms can down
power lines and close roads, stranding people in their homes or
cars. A few minutes spent preparing today can help keep you and your
family safe when bad weather strikes."
![Exterminator](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2009/Nov/14/images/ads/current/pest_control_bch033108.png)
During Winter Storm Preparedness Week, the Illinois Emergency
Management Agency will post daily preparedness tips on the state's
Ready Illinois Facebook page and Ready Illinois Web site,
www.ready.illinois.gov.
The tips will address steps people can take to be prepared at home
and in their vehicles.
"The American Red Cross urges families to create disaster
supplies kits to have on hand for the winter months for their homes
and vehicles," said Roger Dahl, chief executive officer of the
Illinois Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. "Critical
items for the kits include a flashlight with extra batteries,
nonperishable food, water, blankets and first-aid supplies."
A home preparedness survival kit should sustain a family for at
least three days, preferably longer. Additional recommended items
include a NOAA weather radio (with extra batteries), extra
medications, and special items for babies, the disabled or elderly.
"Don't let winter weather catch you unprepared, especially this
time of year when many people travel around the holidays," said
Chris Miller, warning coordination meteorologist for the National
Weather Service in Lincoln. "The smallest patch of ice or snow on
the roads could cause an accident or strand you on the side of the
road for hours. Having a disaster kit in your auto is an absolute
must when traveling in Illinois during the winter months."
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Winter vehicle disaster kits should include:
-
Cell phone and
charger
-
First-aid kit
-
Water and
high-calorie, nonperishable food
-
Boots, hats, gloves
and extra clothing to keep dry
-
Blanket
-
Crank radio and
flashlight
-
Sack of sand or cat
litter
-
Shovel
-
Windshield scraper
and brush
-
Tool kit
-
Tow rope
-
Booster cables
-
Compass and road
maps
-
A small can and waterproof matches to
melt snow for drinking water
![Library](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2008/Jan/02/images/ads/current/lpl%20small.gif)
For more details about cold weather hazards and how to prepare
your home and vehicle for winter, the Illinois Emergency Management
Agency, National Weather Service and American Red Cross have
prepared a Winter Storm Preparedness Guide. The guide is available
by
clicking here or by calling IEMA at 217-785-9888.
Additional
information about winter storm preparedness also can be obtained by
calling your local emergency management agency or American Red Cross
chapter.
[Text from
Illinois
Emergency Management Agency
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |