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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

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Tornado Season Is Early

On February 8th, Wisconsin recorded its first two documented tornadoes to occur in the month of February going back to 19501. The Evansville-to-Lake Koshkonong tornado tracked not too many miles south of Oregon.

You wouldn’t think that in February we’d be concerned about tornado season, but here we are.

Visit these websites to learn more.

ReadyWisconsin — Be informed about tornadoes

Tornadoes
https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/tornadoes/

Thunderstorms
https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/thunderstorms/

Follow ReadyWisconsin on Instagram for tips and alerts
https://www.instagram.com/ReadyWisconsin/

Dane County Emergency Management — Natural Hazards

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

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

Wisconsin’s tornado season runs from April through September. The greatest numbers of tornadoes have occurred in May, June, and July. Wisconsin averages almost 20 tornadoes per year. Most tornado damage is caused by violent winds. Many injuries and deaths result from flying debris. When a tornado threatens, immediate action can save your life. These tips will also help:

  • Be aware of the outdoor tornado siren signal system and know the difference between a tornado watch and warning.
  • In homes and small buildings go to the basement or to an interior part on the lowest level – closets, bathrooms or interior halls. Get under something sturdy. Do not leave the building until the storm has passed.
  • In schools, nursing homes, hospitals, factories, and shopping centers, go to pre-designated shelter areas. interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually best. Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums, or other structures with wide, freespan roofs.
  • In high-rise buildings, go to interior small rooms or hallways.

  • In vehicles or mobile homes, leave them and go to a substantial structure. if there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert with your hands shielding your head.

Dane County Emergency Management — NOAA All-Hazards Radio

https://em.countyofdane.com/notification-system/NWR

What is NOAA All-Hazards Radio?
(Summary from Dane County Emergency Management)

More commonly known as NOAA Weather Radio, or simply weather radio, a NOAA All-Hazards radio receives broadcasts exclusively from the National Weather Service. The radio can provide rapid warning, direct from the source, when hazardous weather conditions pose a threat to life and property. It is truly an “all-hazards” notification system, used not only for immediate flood or tornado related events, but also hazardous materials releases or other localized hazards. The radio receivers behave like smoke detectors, silently monitoring, and then alerting people to the initial warning message immediately upon receipt, providing more time to respond to the event. More information on the system is available directly from the National Weather Service here.

Where can I buy a weather radio?

NOAA All-Hazards Radios are available through local electronics stores as well as from a large number of sources on the internet. The National Weather Service maintains a list of manufacturers and retail outlets, posted on the NWS/NOAA website.

Sources:

1 National Weather Service — www.weather.gov/mkx/FebruarySevereWeather
Image NWS Milwaukee Radar (still frame) — www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh_VVFeIPHI&t=6s