THIS IS WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS MONTH AND THE ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY IS URGING FAMILIES TO GET READY FOR THE COLD.

WINTER WEATHER IN ILLINOIS CAN INCLUDE EVERYTHING FROM TORNADOES AND RAIN TO ICE STORMS AND HEAVY SNOW. A GOOD PLACE TO START PREPARING IS YOUR CAR SAYS IEMA SPOKESPERSON REBECCA CLARK, SINCE YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOU’LL GET STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

OTHER ITEMS CARS SHOULD BE OUTFITTED WITH ARE A BLANKET, FLASHLIGHT, FIRST AID KIT, WATER, JUMPER CABLES AND A SHOVEL SAYS CLARK. NEXT UP IS YOUR HOME.

CLARK REMINDS THAT POWER OUTAGES CAN LAST SEVERAL DAYS AND NOTES THERE HAVE BEEN 600 COLD WEATHER-RELATED DEATHS IN ILLINOIS OVER THE LAST DECADE.