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 Winter in Wisconsin means COLD! Make sure you dress adequately for outdoor activities; layers of clothing are best. Don’t forget to include the wind chill factor when going outdoors also. You may view the wind chill index chart by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
Stay Tuned for Storm Watches and Warnings
Listen to your NOAA Weather Alert radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area. A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area. A BLIZZARD WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!
Preparing your Family
In addition to a disaster supplies kit, prepare for the possibility that you will need to stay in your home for several days after a winter storm. Make sure that you have sufficient heating fuel as well as emergency heating equipment in case electricity is cut off. See below for a Winter Storm Safety Checklist.
House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them.
Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends and neighbors or employees.
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes and always refuel outside. Keep all heaters at least three feet from flammable objects.
Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
Preparing Your Car
Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair. Winterize your car by checking your car battery, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashers, exhaust, heater, brakes, defroster and tires. Ensure that your car has adequate antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil and check regularly throughout the season.
Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, extra hats and mittens, blanket, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares and fluorescent distress flag.
If traveling by car during a winter weather advisory, try to travel in daylight, don't travel alone, keep others informed of your route and stay on main roads. Avoid driving during a winter storm warning. Click here to go to the Wisconsin DOT's website for the latest information on winter road conditions throughout the state.
Preparing Your Home
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic, insulate walls and attics, and apply caulk and weather-stripping to doors and windows.
Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Remove ice and snow from tree limbs, roof and other structures after the storm passes.
NOAA National Weather Service Winter Weather Safety/Awareness » |
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