“Whether traveling or at home, subfreezing temperatures and wind
chills can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who
don't take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA
Regional Administrator. “FEMA continues to urge people throughout
the Midwest to monitor their local weather reports and take steps
now to stay safe.” During cold weather, you should take the
following precautions:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to
the cold;
- Dress in layers and keep dry;
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and
may need additional assistance;
- Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as
frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health
conditions are severe.
- Bring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter
area with unfrozen water.
- Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an
ice scraper, blanket and flashlight – and keep the fuel tank
above half full.
- If you are told to stay off the roads, stay home. If you
must drive, don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your
schedule and stay on main roads.
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You can find more information and tips on being ready for winter
weather and extreme cold temperatures at
http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather. FEMA's mission is to
support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation
we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to
prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate
all hazards.
[Federal Emergency Management Agency]
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