INDIANA— Governor Mike Braun has officially proclaimed November 9–15 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana, urging all Hoosiers to take immediate steps to prepare for the season’s inherent hazards, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
The proclamation marks the beginning of a joint initiative by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the National Weather Service (NWS) to raise winter safety awareness throughout the state.
Preparation is Key to Safety
IDHS Director Jonathan Whitham stressed that proactive preparation can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious emergency during severe weather events.
“Preparation can make all the difference,” Whitham stated, encouraging families to focus on three critical areas:
- Build Emergency Kits: Ensure your family has essential supplies, including flashlights, batteries, first-aid items, blankets, and non-perishable food and water, in case of power outages or being stranded.
- Winterize Your Vehicle: Have your car inspected, check the tires, battery, and fluid levels, and keep a winter survival kit (including flares, cables, and warm clothing) in the trunk.
- Check the Travel Advisory Map: Before driving, always check the Indiana Travel Advisory Map for real-time conditions, which indicate whether conditions are normal, advisory, watch, or warning.
Hoosiers are reminded that temperatures can drop quickly, resulting in hazardous road conditions and an increased risk of hypothermia.
For more winter preparedness tips, guidelines for safe heating, and information on specific hazards, visit getprepared.IN.gov.
Understanding the Advisory Levels
The map is crucial for winter travel, as it displays advisory levels that represent specific travel restrictions and driving conditions:
| Status | Description | Restriction |
| Warning | Conditions pose a threat to public safety. | Refrain from all travel. Travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. |
| Watch | Businesses and organizations should implement emergency action plans. | Routine travel or activities may be restricted in certain areas due to hazardous situations. |
| Advisory | Routine travel or activities may be restricted in certain areas due to hazardous situations. | Individuals should use caution or avoid these areas. |
You can also download the official Travel Advisory App for real-time alerts and updates on your mobile device. The app is available on the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices. It is free to download and allows you to track weather and road conditions by county.
