As temperatures drop and the winter season officially approaches, it’s time for local residents to pause for a moment and make sure they are “winter ready.”  

While we’re much more familiar with hot weather and summer heat here in Warren County, the winter season can be dangerous for anyone who is caught unprepared when storms hit, temperatures fall or power outages occur. Earlier this year in January, dangerous cold and icy conditions caused 12 fatalities and 29 injuries across the state.  

And we all know that January and February bring the coldest temperatures of the year, so now is the time to prepare your home, family and vehicles for cold temperatures, possible extended power outages, and wintry weather.

Store dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.  

Insulate walls and attics; use caulk and weather-stripping around doors and windows.

Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic. 

Winterize your house, barn, shed, or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock, or equipment. 

Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm. 

Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip slightly during cold weather to avoid freezing. 

Keep fire extinguishers on hand and ensure everyone in your house knows how to use them. 

Learn how to shut off water valves in the case of a pipe bursting. 

Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors, or employees.

If you find yourself needing to evacuate or change locations due to weather or a power outage, you should have a to-go kit for your family. It should include: non-perishable food for family and pets; water (1 gallon/family member a day); extra blankets; dry firewood; additional medications; first aid kit; phone charger; hygiene items; flashlights; and extra batteries.

And, of course, make sure you have all the safety items needed in your vehicle at all times, including: windshield scraper; jumper cables; blankets; water/snacks; flashlight with extra batteries; first aid kit; cell phone charger; emergency flares or reflectors.

While we love the coziness of a crisp winter day and the joys of the season, we all need to be prepared in case winter weather turns dangerous.