IEMA, National Weather Service Encourage Illinois Residents to Prepare for Winter Storms

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Posted: 3:44 PM Nov 1, 2011 IEMA, National Weather Service Encourage Illinois Residents to Prepare for Winter Storms IEMA and NWS will highlight winter storm preparedness throughout November as part of the annual Winter Storm Preparedness campaign. Reporter: From the IEMA

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ROCKFORD (IEMA) On the heels of a crippling winter storm on the East Coast and just nine months after a blizzard and ice storm hammered most of Illinois, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) today encouraged Illinois residents to begin preparing for the cold, snow and ice that define winters in Illinois.

IEMA and NWS will highlight winter storm preparedness throughout November as part of the annual Winter Storm Preparedness campaign.

“Fortunately, we haven’t experienced winter weather yet this season, but the East Coast storm is a vivid reminder of what could be right around the corner,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “And with February’s blizzard still fresh in most people’s minds, we hope Illinois residents will follow our advice and begin preparing for winter storms now.”

To help people prepare for winter hazards, IEMA, NWS and the American Red Cross developed a Winter Storm Preparedness Guide, which contains information about winter weather terms and tips for staying safe at home, in the car and at work or school. This guide is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov or by calling 217-785-9888.

Widespread power outages caused by heavy snow or ice can be particularly dangerous during the cold, winter months. That’s why IEMA and NWS recommend emergency preparedness kits for homes and vehicles. A home preparedness kit should be stocked with items to help residents stay safe for at least three days. The kits should include a battery powered-NOAA weather radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, extra medications and special items needed for babies, disabled or elderly family members and family pets.

“At least one severe winter storm has affected Illinois every winter for the past 100 years." said Chris Miller, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with NWS in Lincoln. "That’s why it’s so important to take time now to prepare your family, your home and your automobiles in advance of winter weather. Prior to an anticipated storm, heed the warnings and use the time to gather any supplies you will need for a few days, or make adjustments to any travel plans you may have.”

During the February blizzard, thousands of motorists were stranded by up to two feet of snow that fell in some areas of the state. A vehicle emergency preparedness kit can help keep travelers safe until help arrives. A car or truck kit should include a cell phone and charger, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, snack foods and water, blankets, extra clothing, gloves and hats, sand or kitty litter, shovel, windshield scraper and a tool kit.

In addition to stocking a vehicle preparedness kit, motorists should also take special precautions when traveling during the winter months. Always check the latest weather conditions along your travel route before leaving on a trip. Travel during daylight hours on main roads and provide your itinerary to a friend, relative or co-worker.

If you become stranded, pull as far off the road as possible, set your hazard lights to flashing and hang or tie a colored cloth (preferable red) to your antenna, window or door. Stay in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, and then run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. Open a window slightly for ventilation when the engine is running, and periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.

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FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross urge every family to develop a family disaster plan. Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut off?

Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan...

Gather information about hazards.
Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.

Meet with your family to create a plan.
Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

Implement your plan.
(1) Post emergency telephone numbers by phones;(2) Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; (3) Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and correct them; (4) Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home; (5) Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number; (6) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT SHOULD INCLUDE: A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil one change of clothing and footwear per person one blanket or sleeping bag per person a first aid kit, including prescription medicines emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries an extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

Practice and maintain your plan. Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries two times each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored water and food every 6 months. Contact your local National Weather Service office, American Red Cross chapter, or local office of emergency management for a copy of “Your Family Disaster Plan” (L-191/ARC4466).