Winter weather safety

Gov. Eric Holcomb recently proclaimed Nov. 11-17 Winter Weather Preparedness Week, which serves to remind Hoosiers about winter’s hazards and prepare them for the upcoming months.

Throughout this week, the National Weather Service highlighted a variety of tips to help Americans prepare for winter weather, including how to create a winter weather safety plan and disaster preparedness kit.

Several state agencies also provide winter weather suggestions.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) suggests Hoosiers take time to prepare before hazardous winter weather by stocking up on non-perishable food and water in the event of a power outage or heavy snow. For more suggestions on how to prepare for winter, click here.

The Indiana Department of Education reminds parents to dress their children warmly for cold and snowy weather while waiting for the bus or traveling to and from school.

The Indiana Department of Transportation encourages Hoosiers to drive carefully during winter weather and remember not to tailgate or try to pass snowplows.

To review more winter driving safety information, click here.

Additionally, with temperatures dropping across Indiana, now is a great time to review ways to better manage your natural gas and electric bills.

To save money on winter energy bills, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor suggests consumers:

• Set the thermostat at the lowest comfortable temperature and dress in warm, layered clothing;
• Maintain furnace and heating systems properly;
• Use draperies and ceiling fans to help the heating system; and
• Ensure attics, exterior walls and floors are properly insulated.

For more tips on how to reduce your energy bills, click here.