This is Winter Weather Preparedness Month and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is urging families to get ready for the cold.
Winter weather in Illinois can include everything from tornadoes and rain to ice storms and heavy snow.
IEMA spokesperson Rebecca Clark says a good place to start preparing is your car, since you never know if you'll get stranded on the side of the road. She your car should be outfitted with a blanket, flashlight, first aid kit, water, jumper cables and a shovel.
Clark says a similar kit should be set up at home since a power outage can last several days. A battery-operated weather radio is also a good idea to keep up with the latest watches and warnings.
There have been 600 cold weather-related deaths in Illinois over the last decade.
