By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Humboldt County, IA – Local Law Enforcement is encouraging winter preparedness.
With the calendar officially striking winter the inevitable snow fall that comes with living in the northwest can come at any more. While not every storm is a bad storm it is always better to be prepared than trapped without necessary survival equipment. Humboldt County Sheriff Dean Kruger has some recommendations on how to prepare for winter storms.
If trapped in a car the sheriff says make sure you can call for help, stay warm and hydrated. A cell charge is the first thing Kruger mentions if trapped in a car. Something to eat is also important in a cars winter survival food, just make sure it’s not something that will go bad. The sheriff recommends something to drink as well, “water preferably.” Staying warm with some blankets will also be important if trapped inside a car while the snow is falling. “Just as long as you stay warm and have something to eat,” he says.
“Definitely do not walk,” Sheriff Kruger says. If stranded the best thing to do to get help is call 911. The Dispatch Center will be able to use their GPS system to find a trapped person.
If any snow storms get so bad that people get trapped in their homes, especially out in the country, Sheriff Kruger recommends a smart approach. “Be careful out there,” he says while recommending using “good common sense.” If a home is using a generator it should not be run inside. Make sure the food pantry is stocked and bottled water is kept as well. “And just stay warm as best you can.”
If there is any sort of emergency and the roads are in terrible conditions Sheriff Kruger says they will still be coordinating a plan to be where they are needed. Anyone experiencing an emergency is always encouraged to call 911. “We will make every effort we can” the sheriff says. If the weather is bad then the Law Enforcement Center will coordinate with the county’s secondary roads department and city streets departments across the county. They team will do they best to get where they are needed when they are needed.
The winter weather can create a lot of uncertainty during the cold seasons. While not ever storm is a severe one it is always best to be prepared.