The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department’s Threat Preparedness is promoting winter preparedness and encouraging the community to take action to prepare for winter weather.
Winter storms can occur anywhere and bring freezing rain, ice, snow, high winds or a combination of all these conditions. Winter weather can knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Being prepared for winter weather can decrease your risk.
The whole community can take action against winter weather this season by:
- Winterizing your Emergency Supply Kit by adding rock salt, snow removal equipment, wood for a fireplace, and winter wear including mittens/gloves, hats, sweaters, coats and blankets;
- Planning how to communicate with family and friends with an Emergency Communication Plan;
- Knowing how to receive important weather information and updates, including downloading the FEMA app. Include your NOAA radio and understand the difference between a winter storm warning, watch and advisory;
- And understanding the signs and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color in fingers, toes and face. Hypothermia is a loss in body temperature to below 95 degrees with symptoms of shivering, confusing, slurred speech and drowsiness. Both need to be treated immediately and information can be found at: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather#prepare
“Winter is coming, but with a few simple steps, we can all be prepared for an emergency,” said Amy Phelps, Public Information Officer of MOVHD.
More information regarding winter weather planning and all emergency planning can be found at Ready.gov.