Prepare Kansas

Category: Build a Kit

Plenty more winter to come!

The temperatures may suggest that spring is around the corner, but don’t be fooled — we still have plenty more days of winter weather ahead. Follow these tips shared by the National Weather Service and be prepared for cold weather.

 

  • Check the Forecast at weather.gov or your favorite weather app, station, etc.: Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you’ll know when to expect cold weather.
  • Adjust Your Schedule: If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning. Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting for the school bus outside.
  • Protect Your Pets, Livestock and other Property: If you have pets or farm animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water, and are not overly exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze. Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.
  • Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.
  • Update Your Winter Car Survival Kit.
  • Dress for the outdoors even if you don’t think you’ll be out much: The graphic below shows you how.

Source: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/winter-images/Winter-Dress-Infographic.jpg

 

Blog Extra! Get prepared: Build a kit

September is National Preparedness Month. It is also the month of the K-State Research and Extension annual Prepare Kansas online challenge. Prepare Kansas 2016 focuses on keeping food safe in emergency situations. This year’s program will be conducted through the K-State Research and Extension Facebook page. No registration is required, so Kansans and anyone interested in planning ahead for emergencies can follow on Facebook and this blog at any time during September, pick up handy information and interact with K-State extension specialists and agents.

Get prepared by building a kit that includes food, water, and medical supplies for at least 3 days. Click on the graphic below to link to information on building an emergency food kit. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils!

Graphic shows icons of food, water, luggage and a first aid kit. It reads, "Build a kit. Include enough food, water and medical supplies for your needs in your emergency kit to last for at least 72 hours."