Brown County urges preparedness for winter weather

BROWN COUNTY, WI- (WGBW & WISS) – Wisconsin has yet to see its first winter storm of the season, but it could come at any time. That’s why Governor Tony Evers named this week Winter Weather Awareness Week.

At some point, residents will face the prospect of heavy snow, windy conditions, and bitterly cold temperatures. Brown County Emergency Management Director Daniel Kane encourages everyone to get ready before the severe winter weather arrives.

“We average three winter emergencies every year here in Brown County. So we’re no strangers to this thing, but also we can become complacent in that. we’re used to seeing this. So we feel like we don’t have to prepare as much,” Kane said. “We don’t want to fall into that trap! So it’s important to take the necessary steps to put ourselves in the best position to mitigate any risk that might come with severe weather.”

Winter weather preparedness kit

According to Wisconsin Emergency Management, some of the things you should include in emergency supply kits in your home follow:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
• Food – at least a 3-day supply that doesn’t need electricity for storage or preparation
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Warm blanket for each person
• Prescription medications
• Cell phone with chargers
• Complete change of clothes including long-sleeved shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.

“I always tell people these kits can be built to your own specific needs, your own specific requirements, your own specific fiscal situation, but these are some good ideas to think about,” said Kane.

An emergency kit should also be kept in the car. It should include a snow shovel, food, water, blankets, and cat litter.

“The cat litter there – That’s for snow traction. If you find yourself in a spot where you can get out, you just need some traction, cat litter or sand make a good option for that,” Kane said.

Kane said knowing the risks, knowing the hazards, and planning ahead for losing power or becoming stranded in your vehicle are the most important things a resident can do for winter preparedness.