It’s Winter Weather Awareness Week

The forecast says light snow may fall on parts of northern Iowa today, which is a good excuse for people to re-check the emergency kits in their homes and cars. This is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Iowa. David Miller, chief of staff at the Iowa Emergency Management Division, says people should ensure their homes are stocked with items to help them survive being snowed in by a surprise blizzard. He says motorists should keep their car trunks stocked with a seperate winter survival kit.Survival kits should include: a flashlight and extra batteries, heavy clothing, blankets, non-perishable food items, flares, a first aid kit and a transistor radio or weather radio. Miller says preparing now can prevent problems when the serious snow starts to fly.There are 19 deaths reported directly related to winter weather in Iowa since 1979.