A winter storm is heading towards Wisconsin this weekend. This one is forecast to hit several southern Wisconsin counties. A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for Saturday night and Sunday. Snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches are possible. Travel could be difficult especially Sunday morning. Be ready for the storm. Here are a few simple things you can do:
Have an emergency winter weather survival kit in your vehicle. Your kit should include water, snack food such as energy bars or raisins, first aid kit and booster cables. If you have a cell phone make sure you have a power adapter you can plug into the lighter. You can find more tips on our website: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov
Check the roads before you travel. Call 511 or go to www.511wi.gov for the latest road conditions across Wisconsin. You can also go to our website for a regional travel map which covers North and South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin. http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/511/default.asp.
Get supplies for your home. Depending on conditions it may be safer to stay home. Make sure your home emergency kit is stocked with food that can be stored and eaten without electricity. Also, make sure you have extra water, flashlights with extra batteries and medications. For a complete list of kit items go to our website: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/kit/GetKit.asp.
Be careful removing snow. Heavy, wet snow can plug up snow blowers. Following these steps:
- Disengage the clutch
- Wait five seconds after shutting off the machine to allow the blades to stop rotating
- ALWAYS use a stick or broom handle to loosen impacted snow
- NEVER put your hand down the exit chute or around any blades. Last year, several people in Wisconsin were injured when removing snow from their snow blower.
