Winter Storms - Be Prepared

Village of Holly, MI. - October 28,2008

The Holly area receives 36-48 inches of snow every winter. Heavy snow, strong winds or blizzards, extreme wind chills and ice storms are a part of Michigan living. Each year dozens of Americans die due to exposure to the cold. If we add the number of injuries and fatalities from traffic accidents and fires due to dangerous use of heaters, winter presents a significant threat to public safety.

A major winter storm can last many days. The high winds, freezing rain, heavy snow and cold temperatures are a challenge for everyone and more dangerous for some, 50% of cold winter related injuries happen to people over 60 years old. Chief Gackstetter said, "This is a good time to prepare ourselves for the winter ahead and check in on elderly relatives or friends." Here are a few tips from the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

AT HOME

• Have a flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery powered NOAA Weather radio
• Extra food and water: Food that doesn't require cooking or refrigeration.
• Extra medicine and baby items
• Heating Fuel: Refuel long before your empty
• Emergency Heat Source: Space Heater - BE SURE TO FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Fire Extinguisher, smoke alarms on every floor
• Food and Shelter for your pets

IN VEHICLES

• Check and Winterize your car before the first snowfall
• Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit in your car: Blankets; First Aid Kit; non-perishable food items: shovel: windshield scraper: battery booster cables.
• Keep the gas tank more than half full
• Avoid traveling alone during a storm
• If you do travel, let someone know your timetable

Always dress for the season, wear loose, lightweight clothes in layers to stay warm and wear a hat, Half of your body heat is lost from your head.

For more information about a Family Disaster Plan or being prepared visit:

FEMA: www.fema.gov
RED CROSS: www.redcross.org
NWS: www.nws.noaa.gov