While we are currently enjoying some great weather, we know that winter is still on its way to Wisconsin. Temperatures can be extreme so it’s important to be prepared before the weather hits to help keep you and your family safe. Follow this checklist with information provided by FEMA (2016) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2016) to make sure you’re prepared:

Prepare your Vehicle

• Keep you gas tank near full
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle to include: shovel, windshield scraper, extra clothes/blankets, and emergency flare, and rock salt/sand, battery powered radio, snacks, water, first aid kit, tow chain or rope, flashlight

Update your Home Emergency Kit. FEMA recommends that your kit contain enough food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours.

For winter be sure you have the following included in your emergency kit:

• Rock salt or other environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
• Sufficient heating fuel.
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Winterize your home and vehicle before cold weather strikes. Visit https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather to find out how.

Make a family communication plan to know how to contact everyone during an emergency.

Tune into NOAA Weather Radio or local news for up to date weather information.

Send E-Cards to your loved ones to help them get prepared for winter by clicking here.