Whether you’re at work, commuting, or at home, being ready for harsh, frigid storms can lead to comfort and even survival. November is Winter Weather Preparedness Month, and Nov. 6-10 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week. The week will culminate in a social media contest for Illinois residents.
“This is the ideal time to get ready for snow, ice, and brutal cold because Illinois weather can be pleasant one day, and a winter storm the next day,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau.
“Each winter season, nearly 29,000 vehicle crashes occur in Illinois, producing 4,500 injuries and 80 fatalities. That is why it is imperative that people plan ahead and prepare for winter weather impacts,” added National Weather Service (NWS) Central Illinois Warning Coordination Meteorologist Ed Shimon.
State agencies have winter weather advice for people in the home and those at work, and the NWS has broken down preparedness topics to make it easy to prepare.
“Cold winter temperatures mean some Illinoisans will be using supplemental heating devices such as space heaters to stay warm. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, only use devices with an automatic shut off, and keep heating devices at least three feet from anything that can burn,” said Acting Illinois State Fire Marshal Dale Simpson. “It’s important to check your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors monthly to ensure they are working. If you need to use a generator during a power outage, only use them outdoors and away from windows.”
“Many frontline workers in Illinois are called upon to perform their duties in winter weather, facing environmental cold and other dangers and potentially putting their lives at risk. It is critical for employers and employees alike to prepare ahead of time and make winter safety a priority to minimize risks associated with winter weather hazards,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. “Employers should ensure that individuals who work outdoors, from baggage handlers to construction workers, know the risk factors and warning signs of cold stress.”
Illinois is vulnerable to severe winter weather. The greatest snowfall on record from a single storm was 27.9 inches measured near Waukegan in Lake County, from January 3- 5, 2015. Average annual snowfall ranges from 37 inches of snow in Rockford and Chicago, to as little as 6 to 10 inches at the southern tip of Illinois.
Some tips for severe weather driving:
- Make sure your car has been serviced for the winter, and that it is in good working order before hitting the road in extreme cold.
- Keep your gas tank full, this helps prevent condensation (water) from getting into your gas tank.
- Create a storm kit to keep in your car. Some great things to keep would be an extra phone charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; extra batteries; high-calorie, non-perishable food; and matches or a lighter.
- Don’t forget to take your cell phone for emergency situations!
- Check the NWS for updates on conditions in the area(s) you will be traveling. If cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car’s ability, don’t travel. If you must travel, be careful.
- Tell someone about your travel plans, when you will leave, destination and expected arrival time. If you stop for food or gas, update your contact with your location. Some smartphones have a share location option. This is a great option to use in extreme weather situations.
- Never leave the vehicle’s motor running when parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
More winter preparedness tips can be found on IEMA’s website.
***Courtesy of the Galesburg Fire Chief & Knox County EMA Coordinator ***
