Winter Weather Awareness Day in Kansas will be Thursday, Nov. 15. That day would be an ideal time for Kansans to take stock of their emergency supplies and review their home emergency plan.
A home emergency supply kit should include enough nonperishable food and water for each person to survive for a minimum of seven days, a safe alternate heat source, blankets, flashlights and batteries, a battery-operated weather radio, essential medicines, and other items needed for health and comfort should the power go out.
Vehicles should be equipped with emergency kits, too, particularly if you are planning to travel long distances. These kits should include weather appropriate clothing; bottled water for everyone; nonperishable, high-energy snack items; flashlights and batteries; a battery-operated radio; blankets; a compact snow shovel; extra medications; signal flares and other emergency supplies to allow you to survive until help can arrive. It is also advisable to fill your gas tank before you start on a journey, check engine fluid levels and tire pressure, and make sure cell phones are fully charged.
Emergency plans and preparations should also include family pets. During winter storms, bring outdoor pets inside, if possible, or ensure that they have a draft-free enclosure with straw type bedding that is large enough to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold their body heat if they must remain outside. Always make sure that your pets have access to food and non-frozen water.
For information on winter weather and how to prepare, go online to www.weather.gov/top/winterprepare