Gov. Scott Walker has declared Nov. 9-13 as Wisconsin’s Winter Awareness Week. The annual campaign, sponsored by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), and the National Weather Service (NWS), reminds us now is the time to get ready before the snow and cold hit.

“Make sure you have an emergency supply kit in your car – it could save your life,” says Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Adjutant General and Wisconsin’s Homeland Security Advisor. “If you slide off into a ditch and are stranded during a storm, food and other items in your kit could help keep you and your family safe until emergency help arrives.”

The emergency vehicle kit should contain items such as a flashlight, first aid kit, booster cables, emergency flares, water and snack food along with extra gloves, hats, scarves and blankets. In addition, make sure you have a shovel and a bag of sand or kitty litter to help provide traction if you get stuck.

Every winter in Wisconsin, officials say approximately 45 people are killed and more than 4,700 are injured in accidents on icy or snow-covered roads. Many of those accidents are caused by driving too fast in winter conditions.

In addition to getting your vehicles winterized and putting together an emergency vehicle supply kit, now is also good time to get your home ready for the cold months ahead.   Put together an emergency preparedness kit for your home that contains a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water in case there is no power during a winter storm. Also make sure your flashlights have new batteries and you have a NOAA Weather Radio to receive any emergency alerts.