Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Thursday Thirteen 308: Winter Weather Preparedness



November 4-8 is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The purpose is to remind those of us in northern climes how to prepare for winter weather, both at home and in the car. While Southern Wisconsin has not yet seen snow (they've had several inches up north), snow showers are in next week's forecast. I am so not ready to see snow!


Here are a few items to remember for your home:

— Make sure batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Batteries should be replaced regularly.

— Make sure you have flashlights, extra batteries, and a first aid kit.

— Make sure you have plenty of food and water (or containers to store water) on hand. Emergency food rations should include items that need no cooking, such as bread, peanut butter and jelly, protein/granola/cereal bars, crackers, canned meats, and canned fruits.

— Make sure you have extra medication and baby supplies.


If traveling during winter months, make sure you check weather forecasts for your starting point and destination before you leave. If the weather takes a sudden turn, tune in a radio station for local updates. Tell someone where you are going, and your expected route. If your car slides off the road, stay in your vehicle! Too many people die of exposure because they decide to walk during extreme conditions. It’s easy to get lost or miscalculate distance during a blizzard, especially if you don’t know the area. You are better off staying with the car, no matter how close you think that last house/service station you passed is. Odds are, it’s farther than you think!


Here are items to include in an emergency car kit::


— Blankets and/or sleeping bags

— Extra hats, socks and mittens (it's important not only to stay warm, but dry)

— Flashlights and extra batteries

— First aid kit (include antibiotic ointment, band aids, scissors, medical tape and pain reliever, and extra medication you may be taking)

— Jumper cables

— Kitty litter or sand to help with traction should you get stuck

— Shovel and ice scraper

— Bottled water and non-perishable food such as raisins, nuts, protein/granola/cereal bars, and candy bars

— Cell phone adaptor. It’s hard to call for help if your phone is dead!

BONUS: If you have infants/toddlers, keep an extra bag of diapers in the car


In the last five years, Wisconsin has averaged 50,000 crashes during winter months. More than 5,000 people are injured annually, and another 45 killed. A major cause of winter accidents is driving too fast for conditions. Slow down and pay attention to road and weather conditions. Better to take a bit longer to reach your destination, than not get there at all!


For more tips and information, visit Ready Wisconsin.



LINKING TO: Thursday Thirteen




18 comments:

Jennifer Leeland said...

Wow! those are some pretty scary statistics. Good thing you're getting ready. We have heavy rains here and sometimes flooding, but our biggest threat is earthquakes and (surprisingly) Tsunamis. Love this.

sandyshares said...

great list

Colleen@Looseleafnotes said...

Good reminders. Gotta pack up my car.

Heather said...

Jennifer: I always stock up on cold-weather food in the fall. Not just the nonperishables that don't need cooking, but soups and such in case I can't - or don't want - to get to the store for several days. My freezer and cupboards are bulging right now, and I have some of every size battery on hand.

Heather said...

Sandy: Thanks! ☺

Heather said...

Colleen: Yes, time to winterize the car, inside and out! :)

Alice Audrey said...

Ah, that reminds me. I need to move blankets and ice scrapers out to the cars. We're already under snow.

Heather said...

Alice: What are you waiting for, woman? Those are important items to have in the car! :D

CountryDew said...

Good reminders for all, not just Wisconsin!

Paige Tyler said...

See, that's why I'm a warm weather girl!

*hugs*
Paige

My TT is at http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com

Heather said...

Anita: Definitely! Much of this can be adapted for hurricane/flood zones as well.

Heather said...

Paige: LOL... Warm weather zones have issues all their own! :-D

Anonymous said...

I would love to have just one week of winter weather here in the south. I don't even remember the last time it snowed. Send some of your snow my way, Heather! :)

Heather said...

Oh, Stephanie -- Be careful what you wish for. When my sister moved back up north she couldn't wait for snow--and we ended up with a blizzard. :-\

And then there was the year we had 100+ inches. Our average is usually around 30.

Alice Audrey said...

Waiting on a word count. Yeah, dumb, I know.

Heather said...

LOL... ☺

Rekaya Gibson said...

Good advice, but I'm still holding on to summer. Please! Okay, I'll get prepared.

The Food Temptress

Heather said...

Rekaya: LOL...Sorry to say, but winter has arrived. As in today. Yeah, we had snow this morning. :(