This week (Nov. 4-8th) has been designated “Winter Weather Awareness Week” in Iowa and Minnesota.
The National Weather Service and State Division of Emergency Management Offices in the two states are urging everyone to use this week to get ready for the onslaught of old man winter…even though we’ve already been experiencing colder than normal temperatures and even some snow.
Todd Heitkamp of the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls says this week would be a good time to make sure your vehicle is winterized and to pack a winter survival kit to put in it. Such a kit should contain blankets, a shovel, first aid kit, non-perishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, candles and matches, extra clothing, tire chains, sand or kitty litter, battery-operated radio with batteries, an empty coffee can, booster cables and a fully-charged cell phone.
At home, make sure your furnace has been inspected and is in good working order. Have candles, matches, flashlights, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, non-perishable food, first aid supplies and inspect or install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
