For Immediate Release                                                   
Contact:  Jason Gerwig                                         
630/407-6022
November 19, 2008 

PREPARE BEFORE A WINTER STORM

DU PAGE COUNTY – With the temperatures dropping steadily in the coming weeks, DuPage County, as part of Winter Awareness Week, is urging residents to prepare for various situations which might result from inclement weather.

Develop a plan for you and your family at home, work, school, and when outdoors.  Identify a safe place to take shelter.  Keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.  National Weather Service watches and warnings are available on the Internet.  Listen to radio and television for weather information.  Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors.  Watch for signs of approaching storms.  If severe weather threatens, check on people who are elderly, very young, or physically or mentally disabled.

In order to prevent the freezing of water supply lines and pipes, you should rain water from swimming pools and water sprinkler supply lines by following manufacturer's or installer's directions.  Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors.  Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located and are in unheated areas like the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

It is important to keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you can prevent a costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.  If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm.  Make sure that you have items like a cell phone with charger and/or batteries, flashlight, first-aid kit, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, booster cables, a compass and road maps, and blankets and extra dry clothing in the event you are snowed under.  During the winter months, try to keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.  Also, avoid traveling alone, and let someone know your travel schedules and routes.