November 1, 2018, Canton, MI – November 4-10, 2018, is Michigan’s Winter Weather Awareness Week. Canton’s Emergency Management Division would like to remind residents of some tips to help keep them safe during the upcoming winter season. Know the difference between a Winter Weather Advisory (Wintery weather is expected. Exercise caution.); Winter Storm WATCH (Snow, sleet or ice is possible! Be Prepared.); and a Winter Storm WARNING (Snow, sleet, or ice expected! Take Action!).
NOW/Prepare for a Winter Storm:
• Stay informed – A battery powered NOAA weather radio will provide alerts and warnings for all hazards.
• Obtain emergency supplies – Keep a three day supply of non-perishable food and water supply (at least 3 gallons per person) as well as essential medications.
• Maintain warm clothing and blankets – Warm clothes and blankets can help to prevent hypothermia if the power goes out.
• Prepare for your pet(s) – Be sure to have food, water and medications for your pet(s) as well.
• Create a family communication plan – Ensure family members know how to communicate and check-in following a storm.
• Build an emergency supply kit for your vehicle – Ensure the availability of blankets, water, flashlight, and first aid kit in each vehicle. Try to maintain a full tank of gas.
• Reduce property damage and provide protection – Prepare your home for winter weather by insulating, caulking and weather-stripping; add a carbon monoxide detector; obtain a fire extinguisher; maintain furnace and clean chimney.
DURING/Survive a Winter Storm
• Limit travel – Avoid unnecessary travel when winter weather strikes. Allow authorities to clear roads before travelling when possible.
• Avoid over-exertion and injury – Use caution when shoveling snow, take breaks often, and push the snow rather than lifting or lift lighter loads.
• Caution: Carbon monoxide kills – NEVER use a generator, grill, camp stove, or charcoal burning device inside an enclosed area; keep these devices at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.
• Understand cold weather dangers – Learn the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Frostbite symptoms include loss of feeling, white or pale appearance in extremities. If symptoms are present get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, begin warming slowly by wrapping in blankets or adding dry clothing, seek medical attention.
AFTER/Be Safe
• Assess home for damage – Contact your insurance provider as necessary to address any losses.
• Seek alternative shelter – If you have lost power or your home has been damaged, you may want to go to the home of a relative or neighbor or seek a designated public shelter
For more information and additional winter weather information visit cantonpublicsafety.org, email whayes@canton-mi.org or call 734-394-5357.
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