Winter and wet weather is here, and it is a good idea to be prepared if this weather creates an emergency. Snow and ice can cause unsafe driving conditions, power outages, and more. Excess rain can cause flooding. Being prepared is important during inclement weather. If larger weather events occur, emergency services may not be able to get to you quickly due to the volume of help needed. You can help weather the storm by preparing you and your family. Here are some tips to help get you and your family prepared:

• Sign up for community alerts. It’s important to know if a weather disaster is happening. You can sign up for Marion Polk Alerts and receive alerts for your home, work, kids’ school, or other important places.
• Make a plan. Make a plan for you and your family to follow in case of an emergency. Make sure everyone in the family knows the plan, go over it, and practice it beforehand.
• Make an emergency kit. For both your home and vehicles.
  • Home Emergency Kit: Put together an emergency kit for your family with nonperishable food, water, flashlights, extra batteries, handheld radio for emergency information, medications, and important documents. Make sure to include your furry family members’ needs as well!
  • Vehicle Emergency Kit: Put together a kit that is specific to your needs while in a vehicle. Include blankets, tire chains, extra cell phone car charger, first aid kit, hazard or other reflectors, flashlight with extra batteries, good pair of walking shoes that can be worn in any weather, water, and a snack.

The City of Salem has an emergency preparedness website that can provide valuable information. You can find current road conditions, sign up for Marion Polk Alerts, find sandbag locations, see power outages, and get tips on how to prepare for emergencies.

You can also watch the emergency preparedness video series on the City of Salem’s YouTube channel.