Winter is only about a month away, and to emphasize the importance of planning ahead, November 16-20 has been designated as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Missouri by the National Weather Service and the State Emergency Management Agency.

*Make sure an emergency kit is in the vehicle and that your gas tank is more than half full*

“Avoiding non-essential travel during winter storms is one of the best ways to reduce the chance of becoming involved in a crash or becoming stranded,” State Emergency Management Acting Director Jim Remillard said. “It also allows snow removal crews to clear the roads and first responders to get to crashes faster.”

In 2019, there were 11,117 vehicle crashes in Missouri in which snow or ice was a factor, which resulted in almost 3,000 injuries and 58 deaths, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. In 2019 during a February snow storm, a 15-vehicle pileup of cars, trucks and semis on I-70 near Oak Grove caused 47 other vehicles to run off the road or be damaged, and resulted in one death and many more injuries. Even if not directly involved in a crash, being stranded for hours if an accident blocks the roadway is also a concern.

Missourians should consider these severe winter weather preparations and be ready to take appropriate action during inclement weather to keep their families safe:

Create a family emergency plan and an emergency kit. Emergency supplies should include bottled water, canned and dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first-aid kit. When power outages are possible, charge cell phones and other devices in advance so you are able to communicate if power is lost.

Assemble a separate vehicle winter emergency kit. Include a blanket, radio with spare batteries, snacks or energy-type food, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, jumper cables, flares, shovel and sand or shingles to give tires traction.

Know the risks of exposure to cold temperatures. In 2019, 44 people died as a result of low body temperatures due to prolonged exposure to cold weather.

Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting clothing in several layers.

Avoid driving whenever possible when conditions are poor. If travel is absolutely necessary, make sure an emergency kit is in the vehicle, that your gas tank is more than half full, cell phones are charged and emergency numbers are saved for fast dialing.

Check on road conditions in advance on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Info Map: . If your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road, stay with your vehicle and call or wait for help.

Make sure alternate heat and power sources, such as fireplaces, woodstoves, kerosene heaters and generators function properly. These sources can be dangerous and must be maintained and operated. Keep the correct fuel for each source on hand in a safe location.

Remember space heaters are dangerous and potentially deadly when misused. Space heaters account for about one-third of home heating fires and 80 percent of home heating fire deaths annually. These devices are supplemental heating sources and should be turned off when leaving a room or going to bed. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from heating equipment.

Find more winter weather information including safe winter driving techniques, avoiding injury when shoveling and other tips here .

Always be aware of the latest weather forecast for your area and know the meaning of the terms NWS uses when issuing winter weather advisories:

 Winter Storm Watch – Severe winter weather may affect your area within 12-48 hours.

 Winter Storm Warning – Severe winter weather is in the area or is imminent and could be life threatening.

 Ice Storm Warning – Ice accumulations of a quarter-inch or more are expected in your area.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story