Governor Scott Walker has declared a State of Emergency in response to the severe winter storm and blizzard conditions that is moving across the state. The declaration is a precautionary measure to ensure state resources are available and ready to respond if needed. A major winter storm is hitting most of Wisconsin. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Brown, Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Outagamie and Winnebago Counties from 1:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for much of the rest of the state. The National Weather Service says a large mid-section of the state is expected to receive up to a foot of snow in the next 24 hours. Strong winds are also causing blowing and drifting snow and limiting visibility. The storm is already causing hazardous road conditions. Wisconsin Emergency Management has been monitoring the storm system and working closely with state agencies, local officials and the National Weather Service to track the storm and monitor road conditions. Travel is not the only challenge. The snow is heavy and wet which can be dangerous to those suffering from heart disease or other illnesses. Shoveling heavy snow can put added strain on the heart. In addition, bending or lifting the heavy snow can also cause back injuries. If using a snow blower, be sure to stop the engine if the snow becomes jammed in the snow blower. Use a solid object such as a stick to remove the snow or debris from the chute. Never use your hands. ReadyWisconsin offers these suggestions to keep safe during this storm:
If you plan to travel allow plenty of extra time for your trip. Also keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle and inform friends and family of your travel plans and approximate arrival time.
Motorists are encouraged to utilize 511 Wisconsin, the state’s 24/7/365 travel information service, to view winter road conditions and receive up-to-date travel information. This information, along with live traffic cameras and traffic alerts, can be accessed on the 511 Wisconsin system, which includes a freesmartphone app, @511WI on Twitter, or at www.511wi.gov. Always putting safety first, never access 511 information while driving.
Have an emergency winter weather survival kit in your vehicle. Your kit should include water, snack food such as energy bars or raisins, blankets, first aid kit and booster cables. If you have a cell phone make sure you have a power adapter you can plug into the lighter. You can find more kit tips at ReadyWisconsin: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/winter/HowToMakeAKit.asp
Stay informed. ReadyWisconsin will keep you posted on any emergencies that occur during the storm. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Listen to WFDL radio.
ReadyWisconsin is a campaign from Wisconsin Emergency Management with a mission to prepare individuals, families and businesses for emergencies and disasters. For additional winter safety tips, visit http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin), Twitter (www.twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ReadyWisconsin).
