Winter weather will come eventually – The time to prepare is now

While it may not feel like it, Winter is approaching, and Fond du Lac County Emergency Management is reminding residents to prepare for the season.

November 16th through the 20th has been designated as Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.

Emergency officials are encouraging residents to review their winter emergency plans and make sure they have supplies ready at home and in their vehicles.

A vehicle emergency kit should include items such as blankets, flashlights, phone chargers, jumper cables, a small shovel, and sand or cat litter for traction if you become stuck.

At home, officials recommend having enough food, water, and medications to last at least 72 hours.

Emergency Management is also reminding residents to understand the difference between winter weather alerts.

A Winter Storm Watch means significant winter weather is possible and it’s time to prepare. A Winter Storm Warning means dangerous conditions are expected soon or already occurring.

The National Weather Service is also introducing a new alert designation this winter: “Particularly Dangerous Situation.” That tag can be added to Blizzard and Ice Storm Warnings when forecasters have high confidence that an exceptionally dangerous winter weather event is possible.

Officials say if one of those warnings is issued, residents should use extreme caution and stay off the roads if possible.