Beware of Winter Hazards

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 -- 1:01 PM

-All though we’re experiencing a mild winter here in Wisconsin, we must always be prepared for extreme winter weather and the dangers it presents.

I spoke with John Ross, Clark County’s Emergency Management Director, and he explained some of the hazards we face in the winter.

John:  “This winter has been relatively mild and low on snowfall at this point.  But we all know Wisconsin winters can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to be aware of what we need to keep in mind to stay safe."

"Some of the things that we need to think about are things such as slips and falls caused by ice or snow on sidewalks, stairways, etc. when you’re walking outside."

"Another hazard is, of course, slippery roads and travel conditions, which may be less than ideal and the risk of ending up in the ditch or even in a traffic crash."

"Which we all hope we can avoid and we can avoid by just remembering our winter driving skills, slowing down, allowing extra time to get to our destination.  And, if conditions warrant, consider canceling our plans or adjusting our plans to an alternate time when conditions are more favorable.”

“Another thing to keep in mind is the build up of snow and ice around vents, furnaces, and air handling equipment in your home.  Those can become plugged up with snow or ice and that can then create a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning within your home.  So, be mindful of that."

"Be mindful of ice buildup on roof lines, places were it may fall and, again, on sidewalks, driveways, and other places where you may walk that could become slippery and increase the risk of falls and injury.”

Question:  “What can we do to protect ourselves from those hazards?”

John:  “I think one of the first steps is to be informed.  Have a source for information regarding the weather, whether it’s a NOAA All Hazards Radio, local TV and radio, websites such as the National Weather Service website, and there’s also a multitude of apps that are available for your smartphone."

"Have a good source for information for forecasts and updates to conditions and what might be headed our way is a big step.  Another step is to have an emergency supply kit both at home and in your vehicle.  In the event of some extreme winter weather you may not be able to leave your home."

"You may lose power.  You want to be prepared how to cope with that.  If it should happen, having things such as non-perishable food that doesn’t require heating or preperation, doesn’t require refrigeration, so you’ve got something to eat if you’re stuck at home."

"Having supplies of water on hand so you’ve got something to drink.  Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about storing of medications.  And don’t forget about pets or those with special needs that may be in your homes, such as very young children or people with health conditions that may need special equipment or need special items."

"Be aware of conditions outside and around you.  Make sure you keep shovels handay.  Keep sidewalks, stairs, driveways clear of snow and ice and build up."

"And have that kit in your car include things like flashlight, blankets, shovel, cell phone charger and, in the event that you would get stuck in the ditch during a winter storm, stay with your vehicle.  Make sure the exhaust is clear on your vehicle."

"Run your vehicle periodically to keep warm, but keep a window slightly open to allow fresh air to get in and out of the vehicle.  And have a cell phone with you so you can call for help.”

Question:  “Where can people go to learn more about winter hazards/safety?”

John:  “There are a lot of resources out there.  There are websites such as the FEMA Ready.gov website that has all kinds of preparedness and planning information on it.  We also have the ReadyWisconsin website, which is hosted by the Wisconsin Emergency Management."

"The Clark County website.  Other websites such as weather.gov.  They have a lot of information there regarding preparedness and hazards for all types of weather, not just winter weather.  There’s a multitude of those sources."

"And also you can always reach out to your local county emergency management office.  I know I am always willing to answer questions and try to provide people with sources of information to help them become better prepared and to plan and become educated as to what hazards they face and how they can best set themselves up to deal with them.”

Question:  “Anything else/final thoughts?”

John:  “I would just reemphasize the importance of three big steps, whether it’s winter weather or any all hazards planning, is be informed, have a plan, have a kit.  So, have that source of information, know where you’re going to get important information."

"Have a plan as to what you’re going to do if you’re impacted by severe weather, whether it’s summer time or winter time, or hazards such as a fire in your residence.  And then have that kit."

"That kit, whether it’s at home or in your vehicle, make sure it has the appropriate supplies, make sure it’s easily accessible, make sure it’s somewhere you can get to when you need it, make sure it’s stocked and restocked as needed.  Sometimes these kits will sit for a long time between uses."

"You want to make sure that anything that you have in there is in good, usable condition, so that, when the need arises, you don’t have an added issue because the batteries were dead in the flashlight or the portable radio, for example.  Or things like that.  And then always be ready."

"Hazards can impact us anytime of the day, anytime of the week, anytime of the year.  It’s always good to have a plan, be ready to respond to put yourself in the best possible position.  And, again, when winter weather specifically impacts the area, be prepared to adjust your plans."

"Consider cancelling plans if you don’t have to travel when conditions are bad.  And be prepared to deal with a situation should you end up stranded along the side of the road because you end up in the ditch or something.  And have that cell phone with you.  Make sure somebody knows where you’re going and when you expect to be there just in case something would happen.”

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.