Happy Thanksgiving

MADISON, Wis. — With a winter storm expected to affect the busy Thanksgiving travel week, ReadyWisconsin is encouraging anyone traveling this holiday season to make sure they are watching the weather and accounting for it in their planning.

“Millions of people are expected to travel to see family and friends in the days ahead,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Dr. Darrell Williams. “Several may be getting on the road just as another round of snow and rain settle over Wisconsin, so it’s important to make sure you are ready.”

The National Weather Service is forecasting most of northern and northwestern Wisconsin could see 8-12 inches of snow between Tuesday evening and Wednesday, while southern portions of the state are expected to see rain or light snow. If you are traveling, watch the forecast and check with 511 Wisconsin for the latest traffic and road conditions. This information, along with live traffic cameras and traffic alerts, can be accessed through a free mobile app or the mobile-friendly site http://www.511wi.gov.

For anyone traveling this holiday season, whether it be to a holiday party or for the ongoing deer hunting season, pack an emergency kit in your vehicle to help you stay safe in the event of a vehicle breakdown or if you get stuck in bad weather. Kits should include non-perishable foods, flashlight, extra hats, gloves and blankets. Make sure to also travel with fresh water.

In addition to staying safe on the roads, ReadyWisconsin wants everyone to have a safe holiday celebration in their home. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. Many of those are the result of food or other cooking materials catching on fire.

When preparing your holiday dinner, keep anything that can catch on fire — such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels and food packages — away from your stove. Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove to help prevent bumping. Keep children and pets away from the stove. Stay in your kitchen if you are frying, boiling or broiling food.

Frying poses the greatest risk of fire. If you are using a turkey fryer, make sure to follow the manufacturer guidelines on appropriate use of the appliance. In addition, have a fire extinguisher that has an “A,” “B” and “C” rating and test your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.

“Whether you are traveling to visit family and friends, or you are hosting a celebration in your home, we want to make sure everyone has a safe and happy holiday,” Williams said.