Emergency preparedness experts are urging Upshur County residents to take proactive steps to prepare for winter emergencies. Representatives from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for Upshur County shared practical tips to keep residents safe and ready for any situation.

Tammi Strong, CERT program coordinator, emphasized the importance of having emergency kits for both homes and vehicles.

“For your home, you’ll need water, nonperishable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio, flashlights, first aid kits, extra batteries and a fire extinguisher,” Strong said. “Don’t forget extra battery backups for your phones, and check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.”

Strong also highlighted other essentials, such as snow shovels, salt or ice melt, and local maps.

“Maps are especially important. In an emergency, you can’t always rely on Google for directions,” she noted.

CERT communications officer Chrissy Sandy added that keeping an emergency kit in your car is crucial for winter travel.

“Make sure your gas tank is always at least half full, and keep jumper cables, flares, an ice scraper, sleeping bags or blankets, water and nonperishable snacks in your vehicle,” Sandy said. “Cat litter or sand can also help with tire traction if you get stuck.”

Steve Wyckoff, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for Upshur County, stressed the importance of practicing emergency plans.

“It’s not just about having a kit — it’s about knowing how to use it,” Wyckoff said. “Have emergency drills with your family, test your communication plans, and decide where to meet if you can’t return home.”

Wyckoff also encouraged residents to plan with their neighbors.

“Your neighbors can be a huge asset in emergencies,” he said. “Many local communities already come together during tough times, and this teamwork is critical.”

For more detailed guidance, officials recommend visiting resources like Ready.gov or the CERT website, where residents can also sign up for alerts and access specialized tools like the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit.

The CERT team also hopes to inspire more residents to get involved.

“We have training coming up in the first quarter of next year,” Strong shared. “Volunteers are essential to helping our community prepare and respond to emergencies.”