January finds Salt Lake City in the thick of winter weather. If you are anything like me, you are taking advantage of the "best snow on earth!" While wintertime activities can be fun, there are some very real dangers too.

The American Red Cross tells us that many Americans are injured or killed each year because of exposure, vehicle accidents, and fires - all as a result of hazardous winter conditions. SLC Fire urges all of our neighbors to get prepared and be safe this winter. Here are just a few tips to help get you on your way:

For these tips and more, visit the American Red Cross's website regarding Winter Storm Safety. Rest assured that should the worst come to pass, SLC Fire will be ready and able to assist you2.

One of the best ways you and the members of your household can become prepared is to establish a Family Emergency Plan. The use of this plan will allow each of the members of your household to be able to act accordingly before, during, and after an emergency. It is important for each member to know how they will receive emergency alerts and warnings, where they will shelter at, what evacuation route to take, how the family will communicate with one another, in addition to having the most up to date emergency preparedness kit easily accessible.
 
Ready.Gov also suggests the importance of creating a plan according to the specific needs of those in your household. Some suggestions are as follows:

In addition to creating your Family Emergency Plan prior to an emergency, it is crucial to practice the plan with the members of your household to ensure everyone feels comfortable enacting it in an emergency. It is a good idea to have several copies, both digital and hard copies, of the plan for each of the members of your household. Go to  Make a Plan Form | Ready.gov  to get more information and to build your own Family Emergency Plan.