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IEMA, ISFM, IDOL, and National Weather Service
team up with Winter Weather Preparedness Tips
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[November 09, 2022]
Whether you’re at work, commuting, or at home,
being ready for harsh, frigid storms can lead comfort and even
survival. November is Winter Weather Preparedness Month, and Nov.
7-11 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week. The week will culminate in
a social media contest for Illinois residents. |
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 “This is the ideal time to get ready for snow, ice,
and brutal cold because Illinois weather can be pleasant one day,
and a winter storm the next day,” said Illinois Emergency Management
Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.
“Each winter season, nearly 29,000 vehicle crashes occur in
Illinois, producing 4,500 injuries and 80 fatalities. That is why it
is imperative that people plan ahead and prepare for winter weather
impacts,” added National Weather Service (NWS) Central Illinois
Warning Coordination Meteorologist Edward Shimon.
State agencies have winter weather advice for people in the home and
those at work, and the NWS has broken down preparedness topics to
make it easy to prepare.
“Cold winter temperatures mean some Illinoisans will be using
supplemental heating devices such as space heaters to stay warm.
It’s important to follow the manufactures instructions, only use
devices with an automatic shut off, and keep heating devices at
least 3 feet from anything that can burn,” said Acting Illinois
State Fire Marshal Dale Simpson. “It’s important to check your smoke
and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors monthly to ensure they are
working. If you need to use a generator during a power outage, only
use them outdoors and away from windows.”
“Many frontline workers in Illinois are called upon to perform their
duties in winter weather, facing environmental cold and other
dangers and potentially putting their lives at risk. It is critical
for employers and employees alike to prepare ahead of time and make
winter safety a priority to minimize risks associated with winter
weather hazards,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane
Flanagan. “Employers should ensure that individuals who work
outdoors, from baggage handlers to construction workers, know the
risk factors and warning signs of cold stress.”
Illinois is vulnerable to severe winter weather. The
greatest snowfall on record from a single storm was 27.9 inches
measured near Waukegan in Lake County, from January 3-5, 2015.
Average annual snowfall ranges from 37 inches of snow in Rockford
and Chicago, to as little as 6 to 10 inches at the southern tip of
Illinois.
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The NWS recommends that you spend time each day next
week to learn more about one aspect of winter weather preparedness:
Monday, Nov. 7: Terminology—knowing the differences between a
blizzard warning, winter storm warning, ice storm warning, winter
weather advisory, etc.
Tuesday, Nov. 8: Ice and ice safety – Wide ranging impacts of ice
storms, potential for power outages in winter cold, etc.
Wednesday, Nov. 9: Snow and snow safety – How much snow can cause
slippery roads, what blizzard conditions entails, etc.
Thursday, Nov. 10: Extreme cold and wind chill safety – Discover how
quickly hypothermia can set in, how to recognize the signs of
frostbite, etc.
Friday, Nov. 11: Travel—having a plan and getting information (gettingaroundillinois.com),
vehicle preparedness for both optimal operation and a winter storm
kit if stranded:
More winter preparedness tips can be found here:
2022-23 WINTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - PDF (printable)
On Friday, Nov. 11, IEMA is asking residents to “Show
Us Your Trunk.” On that day, IEMA will share social media posts of
photos of residents who have prepared a winter weather emergency bag
for their vehicles. Two winners will be given NOAA weather radios,
which will give those residents a direct link to the latest weather
information.
More information on winter weather preparedness can be found here:
https://www2.illinois.gov/ready/hazards/
Pages/WinterStorms.aspx
https://www.weather.gov/ilx/winter-prep
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA):
www.Ready.Illinois.gov
[Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
