Winter weather awareness week time to prepare for cold months
STURGIS — Winter is coming.
Michigan Winter Weather Awareness Week was Nov. 6-12, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the National Weather Service are reminding residents to take time to prepare for the winter season set to start next month.
As part of Whitmer's annual declaration, she said she encourages residents to learn more about winter safety and the importance of winter emergency preparedness.
November is the ideal time to check homes and cars for safety and readiness ahead of ice and snow. Residents can also be ready for severe winter weather events by building an emergency preparedness kit. Such a kit may include extra blankets and clothes, enough nonperishable food items and water to last three days per person, a first aid kit, medications, pet supplies, a weather radio, as well as a portable radio and a flashlight with extra batteries.
Residents should also take extra precautions while traveling. Weatherizing vehicles in late fall, including checking tire treads, windshield washer solution, anti-freeze levels and having an automotive professional check the belts, hoses, tires, battery and coolant are ways to reduce the chances of being stranded or crashing during winter conditions.
During a winter storm itself, residents are reminded to stay inside whenever possible. When using heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater or other similar appliances, fire safeguards and proper ventilation should be used. Those with a gas furnace should make sure it is not not blocked by a snowdrift, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. A working carbon monoxide detector should also be installed in the home or apartment. Never use a portable generator inside a home or garage.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms when areas dealing with power outages.
Residents should also stay in contact with family and close friends as part of well-being checks.
If a home's heat goes out, close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors to retain heat or to prevent cold air from entering. Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat.
Food provides energy for producing body heat. Residents are reminded to drinks plenty of water and other noncaffeinated, nonalcholohic drinks to prevent dehydration, as cold air is very dry. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight but warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
For more winter safety tips and information, visit weather.gov/safety/winter.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Winter weather awareness week time to prepare for cold months
