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Dane County Emergency Management Encourages Winter Preparedness: Dane County Emergency Management Encourages Winter PreparednessNovember 18, 2024Andrew Beckett, (608) 628-8075Emergency Management MADISON – Winter weather can be unpredictable, with freezing cold temperatures, heavy snow, and icy conditions all possible in the months ahead. Nov. 18-22 is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin and Dane County Emergency Management encourages everyone to plan ahead for the upcoming season. “Winter storms can make it difficult to travel, keep people in their homes, and cause power outages,” said Dane County Emergency Management Director Charles Tubbs. “The best time to prepare for winter weather is before snow and cold temperatures are even in the forecast. Making sure you have a plan and a stocked emergency kit can help keep you and your loved ones safe.” According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Dane County’s highest single day snowfall total during the 2023-2024 winter season was 13.2” measured in Deerfield on Jan. 13. The coldest temperature in the county last winter was minus 14 F, recorded in Madison and Stoughton on Jan. 15. The first step to being prepared for winter is staying weather aware. Check the forecast daily through the NWS, local media, or a trusted weather app on your smart phone. If snow or cold conditions are expected, be ready to react and change plans if needed. “Staying weather aware can help you make smart decisions about whether to spend time outdoors, update travel plans, or stock up on essential supplies in case you are stuck at home for a few days because of snowy or icy conditions,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Check in with trusted sources of information regularly so you can stay up to date on what to expect.” The NWS recently simplified their cold weather terminology to make it easier for people to recognize the types of hazards associated with dangerously cold temperatures:  Wind Chill Watches have been renamed to an Extreme Cold WatchWind Chill Warnings have been renamed to an Extreme Cold WarningWind Chill Advisory haven been renamed a Cold Weather AdvisoryExtreme cold temperatures can be dangerous, leading to cold-related illnesses and injuries. If spending time outdoors, dress for the weather by putting on several layers of loose-fitting clothing, instead of a single heavy layer. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Be sure to keep the safety of pets in mind as well by limiting their time outdoors in cold conditions. When traveling during the winter months, ensure your vehicle is prepared for ice and snow. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials like food, a flashlight and batteries, cell phone charger, snow shovel, blankets, extra warm clothing, and kitty litter to help give your wheels traction if you get stuck in the snow. Remember to bring fresh water along whenever you travel. When snow plows are out on the road, give them space to work. Stay at least 300’ back from plows and never pass them. Be aware of changing road conditions and remember that bridges often freeze up first. Reduce your speed and do not use the cruise control on your vehicle. Prepare your home for the colder months ahead by scheduling a furnace tune-up and checking to see if caulk and weather stripping are in need of repairs. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors installed in your home and regularly test the batteries in those devices. Update home emergency kits and replace supplies that may have expired or run out, such as food, medications, first aid kits, and batteries. Winter storms can cause power outages. Having alternative power sources at home available can be important if you rely on medical devices that require electricity. Whether you are using batteries, a power bank, or a gas-powered generator, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations closely and keep safety in mind. Generators should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages. For more information on preparing for winter weather, visit our state partners at ReadyWisconsin. You can also follow Dane County Emergency Management on Facebook for updates on weather conditions and safety tips throughout the season. https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/winter-storms/ Sign-Up https://em.countyofdane.com/emergency-alerts Additional Information https://em.countyofdane.com/   

TEST TW WEATHER

Posted on , by Town

Winter Weather is Here!

Like it or not, we’re starting to get more snow and cold weather. That makes it a great time to brush up on ways to be prepared for winter weather hazards to come.

If you have a weather emergency; including down street signs, trees or other road concerns, please call Dane County Sheriff’s department at 608-266-4948.  Since town phone lines are not monitored during weather emergencies, it is best to email using the Contact Us form availabe here https://townoforegonwi.gov/contact-us/ with questions or concerns.  

Visit these websites to learn more.

❄️ Ready.gov — Winter Weather

https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

❄️ ReadyWisconsin — Be informed about winter weather

Winter Storms
https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/winter-storms/

Extreme Cold
https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/extreme-cold/

Follow ReadyWisconsin on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ReadyWisconsin/

❄️ Wisconsin Department of Health Services — Winter Weather Health and Safety Tips

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/winter-weather.htm

 

❄️ Dane County Emergency Management — Natural Hazards

Emergency Preparedness & Planning
https://em.countyofdane.com/prepare

Winter Storms
https://em.countyofdane.com/hazards
(Summary from Dane County Emergency Management)

The winter season is a magical time, but winter storms can kill. Each year, thousands are killed or injured by automobile accidents, home fires, over-exertion, exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning, falls, and electrocution from downed wires. View the tips below to see how you can protect yourself and your family.

    • Stay indoors during storms. Avoid over-exertion or exposure if you must go out, especially if shoveling snow.
    • Have an emergency supply of food, which requires no cooking or refrigeration in case of power failure.
    • Make sure your household smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
    • Avoid travel during a storm if possible. If you must travel, do so during daylight hours and try not to travel alone. Stay on main roads, and keep others informed of your schedule and route. Checking current road conditions before you leave is important. You can do this by calling Winter Road Conditions (https://511wi.gov/winterroadconditions) at 1-800-762-3947 / Traveler information: Call 511 or (866) 511-9472.
    • If a blizzard traps you in your car, pull off the road, set hazard lights to flashing, and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window. Remain in your vehicle and conserve fuel/battery life.