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Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: Prepare for Winter!

Winter activities can be fun for everyone, but Ohioans should also be prepared for more severe impacts that can come along with the season. Snow, blizzard conditions, freezing rain, and flooding are a few of many conditions that can be hazardous during the winter months. Residents are encouraged to not only enjoy what winter has to offer, but to also prepare in advance for these potentially dangerous conditions.

Make an emergency plan. Plans should include each member of your household including pets. If you have a multi-generational home, please plan for the needs of babies, children, and older adults. Please also consider your household members with different abilities that may require special assistance or use of medical or mobility equipment.

Questions to help you prepare your plan include: How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is my shelter plan? What is my evacuation route? What is my family/household communication plan? Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in your network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind some of these factors when developing your plan:

  • Build an emergency kit. Have an emergency preparedness “go-kit” ready in case of a power outage or if you need to leave the house quickly! Using your plan as a guide, you can have the appropriate items ready to go as soon as you need it. Additionally, make a kit for each of your vehicles in the event you are stranded and need supplies to keep you safe until help arrives.
  • Practice your plan! Gather your household together so everyone understands the plan and their role in the process. Do a drill on your plan with your home kit(s) and your vehicle kit(s). This will help everyone better understand your kits, and may help you identify items you may need but forgot to include.

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Source: Ohio Emergency Management Agency