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Winter Weather
Preparedness

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds.

Are you prepared?

Image by Ali Inay
Here are some things that you can do today to make sure you are prepared to tackle winter:
Be Informed:
  • Know your area’s risk for winter storms and how you will receive emergency notifications. You can text CalhounEMA to 888-777 to sign-up for FREE alerts for Calhoun County.
Create A Plan:
  • Have a plan for what your family will do if someone becomes stranded away from home.
Take Action:
  • Check your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing.
  • Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
  • Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
  • Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups

Winter Weather: Advisory, Watch, and Warning

  • Winter weather advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected.

  • Winter storm watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.

  • Winter storm warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon.

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