North Dakota Severe Winter Weather Awareness Week is Nov. 2-6. Williams County Disaster Emergency Services (DES) director Mike Hallesy is asking residents to begin getting ready for winter if they haven't already.
"This week, it's basically a state thing. We do have our fair share of winter here, more so than most," said Hallesy.
Hallesy said because of the extreme low temperatures and windchills that can occur at times during North Dakota winters, people should make sure they have proper supplies in their vehicles and homes in case of a winter weather emergency. He said families should also sit down and develop a plan to enact in case of an emergency as well.
Hallesy said one thing he advises is not to travel more than you have to. "With the more rural environment, we tend to have to travel a lot. If you do, make sure you plan your route and advise people you're coming to visit or leaving of your path and estimated time of your trip," said Hallesy.
Hallesy said such a precaution is important because then people know when to expect you. If you don't arrive, someone can check with you or discover if there is a problem while traveling much sooner.
The most critical components to winter traveling are having your vehicle checked before driving and having a supply kit in your vehicle in case of an emergency, he said..
Things including your battery, antifreeze, heater, brakes, oil and exhaust should be checked before winter driving. While driving, you should have items including water, snack food, extra blankets, booster cables, first aid and tool kits, a windshield scraper, flashlight and cell phone. Hallesy said if stranded, under no circumstance should you leave your car and try to continue on.
"Most of the winter weather-related deaths other than accidents occur from exposure or people wandering off. People get hypothermia or die from exposure. A lot of people may not realize how it doesn't take long to get yourself in trouble that way," said Hallesy.
Having a plan for your family at home during an emergency is important as well. Making sure your home is winterized and you have supplies in case you're snowed in are important. In rural areas, if you're snowed in you may find yourself stuck for several days.
He recommends having about a week's supply of food. Food should consist of non-perishable items such as canned food, as well as a supply of bottled water. Having flashlights, medicine, a first-aid kit and a battery-operated radio for weather updates are all high-priority items.
Making sure your furnace is in good working order, your chimney is clear, the thermostat is set high enough to keep pipes from freezing and having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home are also important.
Hallesy receives regular updates in his office from the National Weather Service and keeps track of any potential severe weather in the area. He also keeps in touch with the city and county to make sure they're aware and ready for any potential situation as well.
"I think things should go fairly well, and as I begin to build relationships with everyone here, being new here, it should only get better," said Hallesy.
He added Williston is a location that receives regular updates from the National Weather Service and has a dedicated line in the Williams County Law Enforcement Center where dispatch is located for receiving severe weather alerts in the event of an emergency.
"If there's something significant and it's more than what our local media already has and they may not be aware of it, I'd push it out there," said Hallesy.
Keeping informed is another key part of being prepared, said Hallesy.
"I guess the main thing is to be aware, get informed and get educated. We've recently had a little taste of winter weather and it's served as a reminder to be prepared," he said.
There are several helpful Web sites with tips for winter preparedness.
For more tips, visit the North Dakota DES site at www.nd.gov/des/ or visit www.ready.gov.
Information on weather, updated warnings and items of interest such as information on windchills can also be found by visiting the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) Web site at www.noaa.gov/wx.html.
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