Governor Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation at 7:30 a.m. Friday due to winter weather forecast to impact the state this weekend, according to a statement from the Adjutant General’s Department. This declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance, specifically the waiver of hours of service for transportation, fuel, hours of service, and propane providers.
A significant winter storm is forecast to impact a large portion of the country. An arctic front will usher in frigid temperatures and strong, gusty winds, creating dangerous wind chills. Snowfall amounts will vary across Kansas, ranging from light accumulations to several inches.
“The current forecast for much of the state calls for frigid temperatures accompanied by snow and wind gusts,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I urge everyone to be prepared. Stay inside as much as possible and avoid travel if you can. Make sure your home emergency kit is stocked and if you must travel, be sure your car emergency kit is ready.”
A home emergency kit should include a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries, extra blankets and warm clothing, nonperishable food, high-energy snacks, and drinking water, at least one gallon per person per day, for a minimum of seven days. For more information on emergency kits, go online to https://www.ready.gov/kit.
It is also advisable to keep an emergency supply kit in your car that also includes jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, blanket, map, and cat litter or sand (for better tire traction).
Avoid travel if you can. If you do travel, make sure someone knows your travel plans and that your vehicle has a full tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded. Ensure your mobile phone is charged and make sure your car's emergency kit is up to date. Whether at home or on the road, listen to your local radio and television stations for the latest weather forecast.
For continuously updated road information, go to www.KanDrive.gov and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 - for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will be monitoring the situation and will assist counties and local responders if requested.