LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – With a blizzard warning currently listed in at least 13 counties in Michigan for the next few days and predictions of high winds, snow measured in feet and cold temperatures, Michiganders are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

As everyone starts to become apprehensive about the winter storm that will be targeting Michigan, weather.gov has information on how to gauge the severity of the threat. They say that a warning means to TAKE ACTION, a watch means BE PREPARED and an advisory means to be AWARE.

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With Winter Storm Elliott headed to the Mitten State, the Michigan State Police (MSP) are encouraging everyone to prepare for the upcoming severe winter weather – and it’s not too late as many of you won’t see the storm arrive until later this evening.

Even though it’s Christmas and everyone has holiday plans they don’t want to cancel, the MSP are asking everyone to be flexible with their plans this weekend and take necessary preparedness measures to help ensure their safety. They say travel is expected to be dangerous in the entire state from Thursday through at least Saturday with blizzard conditions, wind gusts between 40-50 mph and some wind gusts over 60 mph.

The MSP are also asking everyone to do a few things and have a supply of essential items ready in advance to use in the event of a power outage or getting stranded in a vehicle. The supplies should be kept at home and in your vehicle.

Both the MSP and the National Weather Service have come up with a list of things to do and items to put in your emergency supply kit which include the following:

THINGS TO DO (and NOT do)…

 

  • Identify a safe alternative heat source and supply of fuel in the event of a power outage.

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  • Listen to the radio and TV for weather reports and emergency information. Pay attention to updates coming to your cell phone.

 

  • Stay inside during winter storms. If you must go outside, wear several layers of lightweight clothing, a hat and gloves to prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

 

  • For those requiring oxygen, ensure you have a backup power source in case of long-term power outages.

 

  • Do NOT use the following INSIDE of your home, basement, garage or near a window: generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices, kerosene or propane heaters or stoves. Do NOT run a car or truck inside of your garage attached to your house even with the door open. Do NOT heat your house with a gas oven or burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not properly vented.

 

WINTER EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT ITEMS…

 

  • FOR YOUR HOME: 72-hour emergency supply kit in your home including items such as: three-day supply of food and water (including dried fruit, nuts, granola bars and other food that requires no cooking or refrigeration), a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio, blankets, flashlights with extra batteries and emergency contact information.

 

  • Other items to have on hand include: baby items like diapers and formula, first-aid supplies, heating fuel, fire extinguisher and properly working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, extra pet food and warm shelter for pets and other animals,

 

  • FOR YOUR VEHICLE: Make sure all fluid levels are full and ensure that the lights, heater and windshield wipers are in proper working condition.

 

  • Emergency supply kit for your vehicle should include essential items such as salt, sand (or cat litter), a shovel, food and blankets. In addition to that, the National Weather Service says to make sure to have your cell phone and charger, batteries, blankets and sleeping bags, a flashlight, first-aid kit, knife, spare tire, flares, high-calorie and non-perishable food, extra clothing to keep dry, large empty cans to use as emergency toilet, tissues, toilet paper and paper towels, small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, tow rope, battery booster cables, water container, candle and matches, compass and road maps.

 

  • Ensure your car has the proper mix of antifreeze and water in the cooling system and that windshield washing fluid is topped off. Keep tires at the car manufacturer’s recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure during cold weather. Keep the fuel tank near full to prevent freezing of the fuel line. When traveling, let someone know your destination, route and expected arrival time.