It’s “Winter Awareness Week” in Wisconsin This Week

It’s the start of “Winter Awareness Week” in Wisconsin. Much
of the state saw accumulating snow last week – and emergency management officials
are hoping the early-season snow will help encourage people to prepare now for the
winter storms and cold temperatures to come.

The National Weather Service says Wisconsin experiences an
average of three to six winter storms during a season, and Wisconsin was no
stranger to heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures last winter. The Town
of Saxon in Iron County received just over 208 inches of snow last season – the
highest seasonal snowfall total in the state. Meanwhile, the Village of
Butternut in Ashland County reported the state’s coldest temperature last winter
– at (minus) 49 degrees on February 1^st. 

Officials say the threat for snow and bitter cold means residents
should have winter emergency kits for both their home and car. Those kits
should include food and water, a flashlight with batteries and a blanket. In
you car, the kit should include a snow shovel, extra gloves and hats and kitty
littler or sand to help give your car traction if it becomes stuck.

Winter Awareness Week runs through November 8^th.
Learn more winter safety tips here.