BROWN COUNTY, Wis. — This week is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. Brown County Emergency Management held a press conference on Monday, urging residents to get ready for extreme weather.
Last year, there were more than 2,200 injuries and nine deaths in Wisconsin related to traffic incidents involving winter weather, according to Brown County Emergency Management.
Officials also said there were 861 emergency room visits reported and 45 deaths due to extreme cold in Wisconsin.
Daniel Kane, director of Brown County Emergency Management, warned residents to expect more cold temperatures this year and more snow.
“The National Weather Service long-range forecasting models show that there’s a strong likelihood this year of more than average snowfall,” Kane said.
Kane said safety during the cold season starts with awareness. It’s important to know the difference between a “watch” and a “warning.”
“A watch simply means that conditions are present for these threats to impact you. A warning means that they’re actively going on,” Kane said.
Brown County wants to make sure its residents know what to pack both in their cars and their homes this winter.
Kane said if you have to hit the road, you should have items such as cat litter, road flares and food in your car. He suggested building an emergency kit.
“We want to have things such as blankets, shovels, tow rope and jumper cables. A reflective vest is a really great tool if you do need to leave your vehicle, along with a cellphone charger and flashlight,” Kane said.
Vehicles are not the only thing requiring preparedness.
Jose Chavez, Fleet Farm general manager, said Wisconsinites should be winter-ready when heading outdoors because the landscape looks different after a fresh snowfall. Tools such as a compass are helpful, should you get lost on a hike, neighborhood walk or other outdoor activity.
“Knowing where you’re going to be and letting somebody know where you’re going to be is another big part. Taking food with you, water, gloves, hand warmers, boot warmers, all those important things before even heading out into the woods, especially on a fresh snowfall,” Chavez said.
Kane said people should also be winter prepared inside their homes.
“Stock first aid kits, wireless chargers, extra food and water, batteries, flashlights, weather radio, tools to turn off your utilities for gas and water, personal care items, plates, silverware and activities for kids,” Kane said.