Last week was named Winter Weather Awareness Week by Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Emergency Management Division, in collaboration with the NOAA/National Weather Service and ReadyWV.

With the approach of winter in the next few weeks, Justice’s announcement was well-timed, so that West Virginia residents could be reminded to prepare in-advance for the challenges they may face once the full force of winter has arrived.

Justice particularly noted, in his proclamation for Winter Weather Awareness Week, the risks to life and property caused by freezing temperatures, snow and ice.

“West Virginia’s winters are unpredictable and sometimes severe, making it essential for every resident to be prepared,” Justice said. “I encourage all West Virginians to take this week to equip their homes and vehicles, stay informed of weather changes and look out for one another.”

The West Virginia Emergency Management Division Director G.E. McCabe advised West Virginians to take a number of precautionary steps, to prepare for the coming of winter.

“Don’t wait until the first snow — prepare now,” McCabe said. “Winter weather in West Virginia can be challenging, but preparation and knowledge are our best defenses.”

McCabe encouraged state residents to get into the habit of paying attention to emergency alerts from the National Weather Service. He also advised them to begin planning for bad weather by assembling emergency kits for their cars, with items like jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, non-perishable snacks and a full tank of gas; developing family communication plans; and taking other steps to ensure readiness for winter-related emergencies, such as by ensuring their homes and vehicles are ready for harsh weather.

Home owners were recommended to make sure their homes could keep out the cold, with the use of insulation, caulking and weather stripping. They were also encouraged to learn how to keep their water pipes from freezing. Having extra supplies on hand, like imperishable foods, batteries for radios and flashlights, extra medication, pet food and water, was also advised, as a safety measure if the power goes out for several days.

Those who purchase a generator to use as power backup, for use when a storm knocks out the power lines, should take necessary precautions to ensure homeowners’ safety around any generators. The Ready Campaign, a public service campaign under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, suggested a few measures for homeowners to take, including: installing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of their homes; keeping generators dry and protected from rain or flooding, to avoid the chance of electric shock; and to never use a generator or any fuel within 20 feet of a house. More information on winter readiness can be found at https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.