By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Winter weather is continuing to hit the area hard with below freezing temperatures and another round of snow expected to fall overnight (Thu.).
Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says during these winter storms its best to be extra cautious
"Make sure you have stuff in your car in case you do have a crash, or you're broke down, make sure you're checking on your neighbors, the folks who have difficulty getting around, make sure that you're taking care of your pets," Puett tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. "This is just the time of year when the temperature can get you pretty quickly."
Puett says in the conditions even if you are going to the mailbox make sure you have your phone on you as well in case of a fall on the ice.
Puett says drivers should already be cautious with the risk of black ice on the roadways, but with the next round of snow we aren't out of the woods yet.
"We're going to have this ice underneath, so we really want everybody to slow down, use an abundance of caution, it's much better to be cautious than to end up crashing your car, being injured, injuring someone else," Puett says.
Puett says as you travel you should be sure to pack up your car with extra supplies just in case the worst happens.
"I don't think you have to pack like you're going to be gone for a week, but you don't want to be stuck someplace and not have a blanket or not have a couple bottles of waters or something to get you through until help gets there," Puett explains.
Puett also advises ensuring your car has at least half a tank of gas in case you get stuck in the snow or behind traffic in an accident to help keep yourself warm.
If you need assistance or think someone you know might Puett also adds to not be afraid to contact his office with concerns.