Winter Weather Reminders That Won't Leave You Stranded

It’s been a mild winter so far especially in southern Wisconsin, but that is about to change. A significant winter storm will hit Wisconsin later tonight and will continue thru Friday that could impact travel. The National Weather Service is predicting southeast and south central Wisconsin could receive 6-9 inches of snow. In addition, some parts of extreme northern Wisconsin could see a foot of snow.  

Now is the time to get ready for the storm.  Get your vehicles and home ready.    Here are a few simple things you can do:

• Have an emergency winter weather survival kit in your vehicle. Your kit should include water, snack food such as energy bars or raisins, first aid kit and booster cables. If you have a cell phone make sure you have a power adapter you can plug into the lighter. You can find more tip kits on our website… http://readywisconsin.wi.gov
• Check the roads and take your time when traveling. Call 511 or go to www.511wi.gov for the latest road conditions across Wisconsin. You can also go to our website for a regional travel map which covers North and South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin. http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/511/default.asp. Make sure you plan extra time if you travel. Roads may become icy and snow packed. Also, keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle in case of an emergency and let friends or family know where you are traveling to and when you should arrive.
• Get supplies for your home.  Make sure your home emergency kit is stocked with food that can be stored and eaten without electricity, in case there is a power outage. Also, make sure you have extra water, flashlights with extra batteries and medications. For a complete list of kit items go to our website: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/kit/GetKit.asp
• Stay informed. ReadyWisconsin will keep you posted on any emergencies that occur during the storm. Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/readywisconsin) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/readywisconsin) for updates.

As the temperatures start dropping, the Wisconsin DNR also wants to remind you about ice safety.

• Ice safety applies to everyone who ventures onto Wisconsin's lakes and rivers
• Ice is always unpredictable and Ice thickness varies greatly across the Wisconsin
• Warm weather the past several days has made ice conditions critically unsafe with melting and increased water flow (run-off)
• Five people have already drowned this year by falling through Wisconsin ice.
• Know before you go, avoid ice travel in unfamiliar areas or at night - check with bait shops or clubs on local conditions
• DNR wants you to be safe recreating in Wisconsin's outdoors