GREEN BAY, Wis — We did it! We survived this winter. No worse for the wear and perhaps a little wiser.
Now many turn their focus on learning lessons of this relentless winter and what can be done to help when winter’s wrath returns next year.
After record setting flooding in the City of Fond Du Lac, Jordan Skiff the Director of Public Works says right now the city is reviewing what they could have done to help control the flooding throughout the city. They’re also planning to use longer lasting concrete patches to help curb the number of potholes on the road.
In Green Bay, the Director of Public Works, Steve Grenier says they are always adjusting the amount of salt and brine they use to better control the ice on the road.
He says next year they plan to do a better job of scraping off snow banks so drivers can see better around intersections.
After the unusually high number of says called off area schools due to the cold and snow; what do they plan to do different? Nothing.
School officials in both Appleton and Green Bay say this year was likely a fluke. Next year’s budget of 2 to 3 snow days will be plenty.
It’s important to stay safe when another difficult winter rears its ugly head. Read.gov offers these tips to plan ahead before next winter.
PREPARE NOW:
· Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time.
· Prepare your home to keep out of the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
· Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also providing emergency alerts.
· Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the need of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
· Create and emergency supply kid for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
· Learn the signs of and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia.