Photo by Gretchen Ross This strip of Cathro Road in Alpena was snowcovered and slick on Sunday after Northeast Michigan received its first snow of the season. The Michigan State Police are urging people to take the necessary steps to help prepare them for winter weather.

As winter approaches, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared Nov. 9 to 15 as Winter Hazards Awareness Week, according to a Monday press release. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) urges Michiganders to take steps now to prepare for winter emergencies to stay safe in the months ahead.

“The winter season is unpredictable,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “We encourage everyone to prepare your home, vehicle, and family safety plan. Taking steps now gives you the best chance to stay safe when extreme cold, ice, and snow arrive. It’s not a matter of if, but when.”

Severe winter weather poses health and safety risks, from extreme cold and freezing pipes to potential propane shortages and power outages. To be ready for winter, MSP/EMHSD recommends these key steps.

Preparing your home for winter:

– Weatherproof your home by installing weather-stripping, caulking, and insulation to walls, doors, and windows.

– Insulate water lines along exterior walls to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

– Lock in a propane rate now and have a backup heating plan, such as a generator, wood stove, or fireplace.

– Have a professional inspect your gas or oil furnaces and replace the air filter.

– Schedule a fireplace and chimney inspection; contact your local fire department for a referral or look for a local inspector online.

– Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors near all sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide poisoning risks increase when furnaces are in use and during power outages, when people often use portable generators.

– Clean gutters to prevent ice dams that can lead to interior damage, and clear storm drains to avoid basement flooding.

– Keep an emergency kit in your home with water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, emergency lighting, flashlights, blankets, and warm clothing.

Preparing your vehicle for winter:

– Service your radiator system, replace windshield wipers, and use winter-grade wiper fluid.

– Replace worn tires and check tire pressure regularly.

– Have your brakes, brake fluid, oil, battery, heater, and exhaust inspected.

– Store an emergency kit in your vehicle with items like batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, flashlight, scraper, jumper cables, mobile charger, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food, and bottled water in case you get stranded.