Celina, Ohio

... Winter weather preparedness week continues through November 22
for Ohio... Indiana and Kentucky...

The departments of emergency management... Homeland security and
the American Red Cross say the best way to stay safe from the
weather is to have a disaster plan and disaster kit readily
available. Primary concerns are the loss of heat... power or
shortage of supplies.

At home or work... have extra food stocked that requires no
refrigeration or cooking in case of power failure. Have an
emergency water supply in case water pipes freeze. Have extra
batteries available for flashlights... radios... smoke alarms and
cell phones. Have extra medicine... first aid... and baby supplies
in case you are unable to leave home for days.

Have an alternate heating source available in case your
primary source does not work. A fireplace... wood stove or
ventless stove that does not require power are good alternatives.
Have a professional check all heating sources for correct
operation and ventilation. If your home requires heating fuel or
propane... ensure you have plenty of fuel in case your supplier can
not reach you for days. Make sure your fire extinguishers and
smoke alarms are working properly.

On The Farm... move your animals to sheltered areas... haul
extra feed to feeding areas... and have water available. Most
animal deaths in winter are from dehydration.

Items to carry in vehicles should include blankets or extra
clothing. First aid items... a flashlight... a small
shovel... booster cables ... and candy bars are good kit supplies.
You may wish to carry paper tissues for sanitary purposes. Keep a
small can and water proof matches in your vehicle to melt snow for
drinking water.

Heed weather forecasts and take action when the National
Weather Service issues a watch... warning or advisory.