Prepare for Snow, Ice and Cold Weather
Snow, sleet, ice, and bitterly cold temperatures are part of winters in O’Fallon, Illinois; yet, too often residents are caught unprepared when a winter storm strikes. More than just an inconvenience, being unprepared can be dangerous, maybe even deadly.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director William Burke states, “According to the National Weather Service, there hasn’t been a winter in Illinois without a severe storm in the past century. Even though winter weather in Illinois varies from north to south, it is important because we have seen snow and ice cause problems everywhere, even in southern Illinois.”
Heavy snowstorms or icy conditions can cause serious problems both at home and on the road. It is important that residents know how to assemble a home survival kit in case winter weather prevents you from leaving home or utilities are disrupted by heavy snow and ice. A home survival kit should include the following:
· Three day supply of non-perishable food
· Bottled water
· Battery operated radio, NOAA weather radio, and extra batteries
· Flashlight
· Extra medications andspecial items for babies, the disabled and the elderly
· Blankets or sleeping bags
· Emergency heating equipment such as fireplaces, wood burning stoves, or space heaters that are properly maintained and used in a safe manner
It is also important to be prepared for winter weather while you are traveling in your car. A car survival kit should include many of the same items as your home kit, plus the following:
· Mobile phone and charger
· Knife
· Extra clothing to keep dry
· Bag of sand or litter
· Shovel
· Windshield scraper and brush
· Tool kit
· Tow rope
· Jumper cables
· Compass and road maps
O’Fallon Fire Chief Brent Saunders also adds, “Besides snow and ice, extreme cold temperatures can pose a serious threat. It is important that our residents, especially children and seniors, wear proper clothing when exposed to the cold. To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, layers of clothing and a hat, mittens, scarves, dry socks, and boots should always be worn.”
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