HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Winter Hazards Awareness Week is Nov. 7 through 13 this year, and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), is suggesting ways to be ready for a winter emergency.
“As colder months roll in, Michiganders should be prepared, as usual, to prepare for potential frozen pipes, propane shortages, and power outages,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, as she proclaimed Nov. 7 through 13 Winter Hazards Awareness Week. “By taking effective precautions, we can all be ready for whatever the Michigan winter wants to throw at us, enjoy the holiday season, and keep our families safe and warm.”
Winter weather rolling through West Michigan cut power to close to 1,000 people, mostly in Allegan and Barry counties, in spotty outages tracked on the Consumers Energy outage map.
“Michiganders should take every opportunity to prepare for winter weather before it’s here, bringing with it the potential for frozen pipes, propane shortages and power outages” said Col. Joe Gasper, state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and director of the Michigan State Police. “Taking steps to prepare your home and vehicle in advance of the cold weather can help ensure your family stays safe all winter.”
Tips for residents:
- Weatherproof homes by installing weather stripping and caulking and insulating walls, doors and windows.
- Insulate any water lines running along exterior walls, so pipes are less likely to freeze.
- Lock in a propane rate now and have a backup heating plan, such as a generator, wood stove or fireplace.
- Have gas or oil furnaces inspected by a qualified professional. Change air filters every two to four months.
- Have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected. Contact your local fire department for a referral or look for a local inspector online.
- Install battery operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors near sleeping areas. CO poisoning is more common in the winter months when furnaces are turned on and portable generators are often used for electricity during power outages.
- Clean gutters to prevent ice dams from forming. Roof ice dams can cause water to build up, leading to interior damage.
- Clear storm drains along the curb to enable water to drain. If plugged, water has the potential to go into low-lying areas and flood basements.
- Have an emergency preparedness kit accessible at home with bottled water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a battery or hand-crank-powered radio, emergency lighting or flashlights, extra blankets and warm clothing.
Winter-prep tips for vehicles:
- Get radiator systems checked and serviced.
- Replace windshield wipers and refill wiper fluid.
- Replace any worn tires and check air pressure regularly.
- Have your vehicle’s brakes, brake fluid, oil, car battery, heater and exhaust checked to make sure everything is running efficiently.
- Vehicle emergency preparedness kit should include batteries, battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, windshield scraper, jumper cables, mobile phone charger, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water in the event you get stranded or stuck.
Learn more about emergency prep by visiting www.michigan.gov/miready or follow the MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS or use these hashtags on social media: #MIREADY #Preparedness.
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