A snow-covered Lesko Park in Aurora in January 2010. file photo

(Dearborn County, Ind.) – The Dearborn County Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the Dearborn County Commissioners have declared the week of November 11-17 Winter Weather Preparedness Week.

DCEMA Director Bill Black says that with the storms that have hit the East Coast and the winter season fast approaching, it is time to be sure you are prepared.

“Make sure you have a plan if bad weather occurs. Have supplies to be able to take care of yourself for at least 72 hours. Check your supplies. Are your flashlights working and water and food not out dated?” Black said.

It’s not uncommon for Indiana’s winter weather to cause serious situations. The commissioners’ declaration states that Indiana has experienced winter storms  of such magnitude that federal assistance was required in 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2001, 1999, 1998, and 1996.

There are suggestions of what to have and how to prepare for on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security website, www.in.gov/idhs.