With the winter months nearly upon us, it's time to start preparing for harsher conditions. Yesterday began Winter Safety Awareness Week, and everyone should make sure they have what they need to combat the unpredictable weather. Put in place an emergency plan to make sure everyone in the household is on the same page. Test your heating systems and your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure everything is in working order. And stock up on essentials in case you're stuck in your home for an extended period of time.

Winter is almost here, and that means hazardous snow, ice, and cold could make an appearance soon! To ensure residents are prepared, the State of Ohio has recognized this week, November 12th through the 18th, as "Winter Safety Awareness Week," a time that Allen County EMA Director, Tom Berger, wants everyone to use to make sure they are winter weather ready.

It is certainly time to be thinking about how you should prepare yourself for the winter season, and one of the first places is inside your vehicle. An emergency supply kit is essential in the event you are stranded for an extended period. Items in that kit should include flashlights, blankets, hat and gloves, snow boots, snow shovel, jumper cables, non-perishable food items, bottled water, windshield washer fluid, first aid kit, a candle along with a lighter. The candle serves as an extra source of warmth if your vehicle is broken down.

Winter is just around the corner, and Gov. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Husted are declaring the week of Nov. 15-21 Winter Safety Awareness Week to encourage people to get a head-start on their winter preparations.