The National Weather Service announced new alerts for the upcoming winter season, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security released some information regarding winter driving safety kits in recognition of winter preparedness week.
New this season, the weather service has released updated alerts for winter weather to utilize simpler language. The service stated that “windchill watch” has been renamed to “extreme cold watch,” “wind chill advisory” has been renamed to “cold weather advisory,” “wind chill warning” has been renamed to “extreme cold warning,” “hard freeze watch” has been renamed to “freeze watch” and “hard freeze warning” has been renamed to “freeze warning.”
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security released information regarding winter driving safety kids that may be utilized in the event of an accident or emergency during extreme winter weather.
The department recommended preparing a kit with a portable phone charger, first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, spare tire, warm clothes, basic tool kit, trash bag with sand or cat litter, food and water, shovel, ice scraper and a blanket or sleeping bag.
The department further recommended checking tires, wipers and batteries consistently to ensure they can handle snow and ice as well as checking road conditions before traveling and slowing down on slippery roads.
