Wisconsin Winter Awareness Week Post Date: 11/06/2015 on www.fdlco.wi.gov Governor Scott Walker has declared November 9-13, 2015 as Wisconsin’s Winter Awareness Week. The annual campaign, sponsored by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), and the National Weather Service (NWS), reminds us now is the time to get ready before the snow and cold hit. Some forecasters are predicting an El Nino winter this year that could mean warmer and drier conditions for Wisconsin. However, before you put your snow shovels and mittens back in storage, it might be a good idea to go ahead and get ready for snow and cold. Last winter, the highest snow total for the state was reported in Hurley in Iron County with 144 inches of snow. The coldest temperature was -35 degrees recorded in Couderay in Sawyer County. Before the snow flies, now is the time to get your home and vehicles ready. The most important thing you can do is create an emergency supply kit for your car. It could save your life. You never know when you might be stranded in a storm and it could be hours before help arrives. Your emergency vehicle kit should include: Blankets or sleeping bags Flashlight with extra batteries First-aid kit Shovel, booster cables and windshield scraper Non-perishable food like raisins and energy bars Water Sand or cat litter for traction Cell phone adapter Extra hats and gloves Every winter in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation says approximately 45 people are killed and more than 4,700 are injured in accidents on icy or snow-covered roads. Many of those accidents are caused by driving too fast in winter conditions. Slow down, build more travel time into your plans, and know the road conditions before you go this winter season with the 511 Wisconsin Traveler Information System. You can download the free 511 Wisconsin Smartphone app, follow @511WI on Twitter, visit www.511wi.gov, or call 511. Now is also the time to build or replenish your home emergency kit. Snow, freezing rain and strong winds can cause downed power lines. It could be hours or even days that your home could be without power. Here are some items to include in your emergency kit: Flashlights with extra batteries or other battery powered lights Non-perishable food and water A radio with batteries so you can listen to weather and other emergency information If the power goes out, never use outdoor cooking equipment such as a grill or a gas heater indoors as a heat source. These items can produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. Also make sure you have a battery operated carbon monoxide detector with a backup battery. For more tips on getting ready for winter in Wisconsin, visit http://readywisconsin.wi.gov. Also follow ReadyWisconsin on Twitter and and Facebook for tips as well as weather information.
