News from
The Adjutant General's Department

CONTACT:
Sharon Watson
Director, Public Affairs Office
Work: (785) 274-1192
Cell: (785) 806-4063
http://www.Kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Nov. 30, 2007

No. 07-178

KANSANS URGED TO PREPARE FOR WINTER STORM

Weather forecasters are predicting Kansans will see potentially severe winter weather starting tonight and into tomorrow with freezing rain, sleet, snow and ice.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management encourages all Kansans to be prepared for severe weather by having a home emergency kit, including food, water, medications, extra clothing, flashlights and batteries, a battery-operated NOAA weather radio and other necessities.

“Winter weather presents its own set of unique challenges,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the adjutant general of Kansas. “Blizzard conditions are not uncommon across the state and anyone unprepared for an emergency situation could be in real trouble, particularly in rural areas.

“That’s why it’s critical to have an emergency kit in your home for you and your family,” Bunting said. “You may not be able to travel to a store and you might be without power, so have what you need in your home kit.”

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person
  
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  
• Flashlight and extra batteries
  
• First aid kit
  
• Whistle to signal for help
  
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  
• Local maps
  

Keep in mind that during a severe winter storm it could be hours before emergency personnel are able to reach you.

Highway Travel

Road travel is discouraged during storm situations, but if you must travel, make sure your vehicle’s fuel tank is full.

“Keep at least a half a tank of gas in your car at all times,” said Bunting. “If you have just a quarter of a tank of gas and get stranded along the highway, or stuck in traffic for a while, you’ll quickly be on empty.”

Arrange your travel plans so you can leave well ahead of the storm front and keep an emergency kit in your car.

Recommended Items to Include in a Vehicle Emergency Kit

Additional information for preparing for winter weather is available through your county emergency management office or at the following websites:

• Kansas Division of Emergency Management - www.ksready.gov/winter.shtml
• U.S. Department Homeland Security - www.ready.gov
• Kansas Division of Emergency Management - www.ksready.gov/winter.shtml
• FEMA - www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi_before.shtm
• American Red Cross - www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_239_,00.htm

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