Wind Chill Chart

To help Minnesota residents minimize risks and mitigate the hazards of winter, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety — in collaboration with the National Weather Service and other state, federal and non-profit agencies — is sponsoring “Winter Hazard Awareness Week” beginning today.

One of today’s topics is wind chill.  Admit it.  You’ve always wanted a nifty chart with a mathematical formula that lets you calculate your own wind chill.  Seriously, the chart is handy, and the “Frostbite Times” color coding is a great tool.  Use it.  Take precautions when necessary.

More information about Minnesota winter preparation can be found at www.winterweather.state.mn.us.

Winter Driving Survival Kit

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has declared this to be Winter Hazard Awareness Week.  Of course, one thing you can do to prepare for winter is make a Winter Driving Survival Kit to keep in your vehicle.  The MN DPS recommends using an empty three-pound coffee can or any similar container with a plastic cover to store the following items:

-Small candles and matches
-Small, sharp knife and plastic spoons
-Red bandanna or cloth
-Pencil and paper
-Large plastic garbage bag
-Safety pins
-Whistle
-Snacks
-Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter
-Plastic flashlight and spare batteries

They also recommend storing small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold.  Some suggestions are:

-Raisins in small packets
-Semi-sweet chocolate in pieces for sharing
-Miniature candy bars
-Chewing gum
-Wrapped hard candies
-Food bars
-Canned Soup, meat and poultry

Some bulky and heavy items that are recommended to keep in an accessable place in your vehicle:

-30 foot cord to use as homing line when you must exit the vehicle
-Booster cables
-Basic tools
-Sand, cat litter or other grit in a plastic milk carton
-Shovel
-Tow cables or chain
-Sleeping bag or blankets
-Road flares and reflectors
-Snowmobile suit and heavy boots

Tips, planning materials and other information from ten different state agencies are available at www.winterweather.state.mn.us