With winter weather approaching, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is encouraging Michigan residents to make winter emergency preparedness a priority.

“Part of Michigan has seen snow already,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, deputy state director of emergency management and homeland security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “Now is the time to make sure you are prepared. Taking a few extra steps will ensure that you and your family are ready before winter weather fully arrives.”

Severe winter weather poses health and safety concerns with cold temperatures, freezing pipes, potential propane shortages and power outages. Michiganders should consider the following actions to be prepared for the winter months.

To prepare homes for winter:

• Weatherproof homes by installing weather stripping and caulking and insulating walls, doors and windows

• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so pipes are less likely to freeze

• Lock in a propane rate now and have a backup heating plan, such as a generator, wood stove or fireplace

• Have gas or oil furnaces inspected by a qualified professional and change the air filter every two to four months

• Have fireplaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected; contact local fire departments for a referral or look for a local inspector online

• Install battery operated carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas; CO poisoning is more common in the winter months when furnaces are turned on and portable generators are often used for electricity during power outages

• Clean gutters to prevent ice dams from forming; roof ice dams can cause water to build up, leading to interior damage.

• Clear storm drains along the curb to enable water to drain; if plugged, water has the potential to go into low-lying areas and flood basements

• Have an emergency preparedness kit stored safely in the house that includes: water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a battery or hand-crank powered radio, emergency lighting or flashlights, extra blankets and warm clothing.

To prepare vehicles for winter:

• Have radiator systems serviced, replace windshield wipers and refill wiper fluid

• Replace any worn tires and check air pressure regularly.

• Have brakes, brake fluid, oil, car batteries, heaters and exhausts checked to make sure everything is running efficiently

• Keep an emergency preparedness kit in vehicles stocked with batteries, battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, windshield scraper, jumper cables, mobile phone charger, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water in the event drivers get stranded or stuck.