Prepare now for winter weather

PRINCETON — Though winter is still officially six weeks away, now’s the time to get prepared, according to local officials.

Kris Donarski, director of the Bureau County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, said it’s best to plan ahead for emergency situations, which can definitely happen with winter weather and storms. With that in mind, the Illinois Emergency Management Association has designated next week as Winter Storm Preparedness Week.

“When we are enjoying our beautiful Indian summers and fall weather, we tend to think it will be a long time before winter weather affects us, but that’s not the case,” Donarski said. “Actually, winter is just around the corner.”

Donarski encouraged local residents to make sure their cars and homes are winterized and ready for the coming weather. The IEMA has provided extensive Website information on what types of emergency kits are needed for both the home and the car. Those items include, in part, first aid kits, extra medicines for family members, baby supplies, pet supplies, non-perishable foods, bottled waters, blankets, extra clothing and battery-operated weather radios.

On Thursday, Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson said those first snows of the year can be difficult for drivers who are used to driving on clearer roads during the spring, summer and fall months. It’s important for drivers to think ahead and leave early to allow for slower driving, the sheriff said.

As another safeguard, it’s important to keep vehicles in good operating condition throughout the year, especially in winter months, Thompson said. If a motorist does have a breakdown or gets stranded, he should stay with the vehicle. Gas tanks should be kept as full as possible to allow for unexpected delays and problems, he said.

As far as car safety kits, Thompson recommended people carry in their vehicles items like extra clothing, a blanket, and a candle, matches and can. That candle, lit in a can, can generate quite a bit of heat for the stranded motorist, the sheriff said.

Nearly 80 people in the United States die from winter storms and extreme cold every year, according to IEMA statistics. Severe winter storms can cause widespread damage and disruption. Heavy snow often results in paralyzed transportation systems, automobile accidents due to slippery roads and stranded vehicles. Glazing from ice storms may topple utility lines and poles and makes travel virtually impossible. The hazards posed by winter storms and extreme cold can be catastrophic, IEMA states.