The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Hamilton County and most of central Indiana from 7pm tonight until 10am on Tuesday. At this time, the forecast calls for 4”–7” of snow with the most intense snow falling between 10pm and 4am. Snowfall rates could affect visibility and road conditions throughout the period. Winds will increase with wind chills falling into the single digit or teens below zero.
To prepare for severe winter weather, or for any emergency, residents are recommended to have an emergency kit for the home and for each vehicle. During winter storms, snow, extreme cold, or wind can knock out power, water, and other utilities. The same conditions make it difficult to restore those services.
A home kit should include, at a minimum:
*A three-day supply of non-perishable food (canned goods, ready to eat foods, juices, fruits, ready to eat soup, canned meats, peanut butter, energy bars, etc…)
*Three gallons of water for each person and pet (one gallon per person per day)
*Battery powered radio with extra batteries
*Flashlight with extra batteries
*First aid kit
*Moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation
*Extra blankets and sleeping bags
*Cell phone with charger, inverter, or solar charger
*Small toolkit
*Medications and special health/dietary need items
*Disinfectant and hand sanitizer
*A change of clothing and footwear for each family member
*Food and supplies for pets
Make sure to prepare your home as well:
*Let faucets drip to prevent pipes from freezing
*Make sure pipes are insulated and leave cabinets open around pipes
*Know how to shut off gas, water, and other utilities to the home
*Never attempt to heat with a stove or oven. Make sure heaters have adequate ventilation and space (at least 3 feet) around them
*Monitor conditions so you are prepared when services are restored
*Do not use a gas or charcoal grill to cook inside
*Check batteries in carbon monoxide detectors
*Have a fire extinguisher available
Prepare an emergency kit for each vehicle:
*At least two (2) blankets or a sleeping bag
*Flashlight or battery-powered lantern and extra batteries
*Booster (jumper) cables
*Emergency flares
*Extra clothing, particularly boots, hats and mittens
*A steel shovel and rope to use as a lifeline
*Bottled water or juice and nonperishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins, nuts, peanut butter or cheese crackers)
*Thermos or container that won’t allow liquids to freeze
*First-aid kit and necessary medications
*Sand or non-clumping cat litter for tire traction if your vehicle gets stuck in snow or ice
*A cell phone and charger which can be adapted to vehicle use
*Ice scraper and snow brush
*Tire repair kit and pump
*Candle, matches, heat sticks/packs, lighters, hand-warmers, etc. (Be sure to crack the window if you using a heat source inside the vehicle)
*A bright colored flag or help sign
