• When should we prepare for severe winter weather? • BUT IT… • Costs a lot of money and takes to much time! • What Can I Do? • Find Information
When Should We Prepare? NOW – Before the Winter Storm Hits!!!
Most Believe It Costs Lots of Money and Takes Too Much Time to Prepare • 30 minutes to gather some necessities and pack in a bag • Minimal expenditure as many of the things you may need or want, you probably already have somewhere in the home • So, LET’s GET STARTED…
Winter Storms May Present: • Freezing Rains and Icing • Utilities, Roads, Walkways • Snow Fall – Heavy, Wet, Blowing, and/or Lots of It • Structural Weaknesses • Physical Challenges – Back, Cardio, Overheating • Visibility • Freezing Temperatures • Everything
What Can I Do? • Make a plan • Know the hazards and terms and maintain awareness • Know your location – county, specifically • Understand health precautions • Build disaster kits • Winterize your home and your vehicle • Change your driving habits
Be Prepared • Make a plan – address these four questions • How will I receive emergency alerts & warnings? • What is my shelter plan? • What is my evacuation plan? • What is my family/household communications plan?
Be Prepared • Consider specific needs when planning • Age of family members/household members • Responsibilities for assisting others or each other • Languages spoken • Dietary needs • Pets or service animals • Medical needs • Mobility capabilities/needs • School aged children needs and care
Early Warning • NOAA Weather Radio’s • Wireless Emergency Alerts – most smart phones • Cell phone “Apps” (FEMA, The Weather Channel, etc) • Village of Chatham website to sign up for “CivicReady” Notifications & Alerts – Elert https://www.chathamil.net/notifications-alerts • Local TV & Radio Stations
Be Prepared • Maintain Awareness – stay informed and stay alert • “WATCH” – Conditions favor or radar indicates conditions which could turn into a severe thunderstorm or tornado – STAY ALERT • “WARNING” – Severe thunderstorms or tornadic activity is occurring or has occurred in or near your location – TAKE ACTION
Know: • Your location – specifically what county you are located • The health precautions of over-exertion in the winter
What Can I Do: • Build Your Kit • Travel Kit Cell phone and charger First-aid Kit Blankets Knife/multi-tool Emergency blanket Water Flashlight and extra batteries High cal, non-perishable snacks Extra clothing Sack of sand or kitty litter Small shovel Windshield scraper Tow rope Jumper cables Water container Small can and waterproof matches “Glow Sticks” to melt snow for drinking water Hand Warmers • Household/Family Kit
Be Prepared
What Can I Do: • Winterize Your Home • Insulate exposed pipes • Weatherize windows and doors • Winterize your vehicle • Get it serviced • Check tires, lights, and fluid levels regularly • Keep the fuel tank at least half full
What Can I Do: • Change Your Driving Habits • Slow down • Increase your following distance • Do not start driving until your windshield and all windows are clear of frost, snow, and ice • Travel during daylight hours when at all possible • Drive 4x4, Right? 4x4 versus ice, which wins? ICE – every time!
Find Information State of Illinois - https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/Preparedness/Documents/winter_storm_preparedness_guidebo ok.pdf U.S. Department of Homeland Security – www.ready.gov/winter-weather Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/beforestorm/preparehome.html American Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for- emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html National Weather Service - https://www.weather.gov/ilx/winter-prep
Don’t Find Yourself Here:
Find Us on Facebook Chatham IL Emergency Management Agency @chathamilema Or Email Trent Thompson at trentt@chathamil.net
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