If a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for your area, that means that hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less 1/4 mile) are expected in the next 12 to 36 hours. You should prepare for the worst now:

At Home or Work Make Sure You Have:

-a working flashlight

-battery powered NOAA weather radio, radio, or TV

-extra food, water, medicine, and baby items

-first aid supplies

-heating fuel (propane, kerosene, fuel oil, etc…)

-emergency heating source

-fire extinguishers on each level

-Carbon Monoxide Detector

-smoke detectors on each level and outside each sleeping area

In Cars and Trucks:

-fully check and winterize your vehicle

-keep your gas tank near full

-try not to travel alone

-let a friend or relative know your timetable for travel

Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit which contains:

-blankets/sleeping bags

-flashlight with extra batteries

-knife

-high calorie, non-perishable food

-a small can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water

-sand or cat litter

-shovel

-windshield scraper

-tool kit

-tow rope

-jumper cables

-water container

-compass

-road maps

-flares

-fire extinguishers

On The Farm:

-Move animals to sheltered areas

-Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas

-Have a water supply available (most animal deaths in winter storms are from dehydration)