With a forecast beginning Friday across the upper Midwest that includes heavy snow, high winds and blizzard-like conditions followed by severely cold temperatures into next week, the FEMA Region 5 office in Chicago encourages everyone to be #WinterReady and take precautions now to stay safe.
“Now is the time to make sure you have food, water, medications, and other critical supplies at home to last for several days, especially in case of potential power outages due to heavy snow and high winds,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “Limit your time outdoors, avoid non-essential travel and listen to local updates for the latest road conditions and closures. When it is safe, check on your neighbors or friends nearby who may need assistance.”
FEMA says being #WinterReady means understanding winter risks you face and taking steps to prepare:
1. Keep in mind each member of your household’s specific needs when gathering supplies before the storm. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights, and make sure your phone and other electronic items are fully charged in case you lose power.
2. Limit your time outside. If you need to go out, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
3. Remember safe home heating practices. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters or candles. Always plug space heaters directly into an outlet, and make sure its cord isn’t damaged or frayed. Never use an oven to heat your home.
4. If there’s a chance you may need assistance during this severe winter weather—for example, clearing snow and ice or moving to a warming center if it becomes necessary —have the name and contact information of a nearby family member or friend who can regularly check in on you.
5. Follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Find more tips to help prepare for severe winter weather by visiting FEMA’s #WinterReady website . You can also find preparedness information by downloading the free FEMA app and following FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5.
Warming Center information
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Indiana 211, a division of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, wants Hoosier to know they can call 2-1-1 to find warming centers open in their community. @in211 community navigators are available 24/7 and can provide updated locations and hours of warmings centers in your area or click here: https://on.in.gov/7pv3p .
In Valparaiso, the city says it has coordinated with local organizations to announce Warming Centers available when temperatures and wind chills dip below freezing. Here is a link for the latest update on warming center locations in the city. In addition, the Valparaiso Police Department (VPD) offers a special program for individuals who may need special help during weather emergencies. The Contact Assistance Referral (CARE) Program means the VPD will check on residents during harsh weather. To register yourself or a loved one for CARE, contact Sergeant Tom Zimmerman at (219) 462-2135.
In the city of La Porte, Mayor Tom Dermody said the City of La Porte will be opening warming centers for those in need. “While we’ve been incredibly fortunate so far with mild temperatures, harsh winter weather is on its way,” Dermody said. “It is important that our residents know there are places available to get in out of the cold. I encourage everyone to share this information and be sure to check in on elderly neighbors who may need some extra assistance.” Here is a link for the latest info on warming center locations in the city. Dermody said anyone in need of help after hours may contact the City of La Porte Police Department non-emergency line at 219-362-6205.
In Hobart, the city says it has established warming centers for residents seeking relief from the frigid temperatures predicted in the upcoming days. Here is a link to the full news release with the list of locations.
