Are you prepared for this winter?

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - It's the countdown most people dread, the countdown to winter.

Believe it or not, the official start of winter is a little more than a month away, and this week served as Indiana's winter weather preparedness week.

"Winter weather preparedness week is just a reminder of those things," National Weather Service Warning Coordinator Meteorologist Dave Tucek said. "You need to be prepared for winter, pay attention to watches and warnings, and dress appropriately and drive appropriately when conditions are bad."

Tucek said knowing the difference between watches, warnings and advisories is important all times of the year in order to better prepare for significant weather events in a timely manner.

A winter storm watch indicates problematic weather may occur within several days, and means now is the time to get ready.

A winter storm warning or advisory means hazardous weather is imminent and now is the time to act.
 
"We hope that if the watch stays that folks have at least thought about their plans in the upcoming days, and once we reach warning or advisory criteria that they'll be enacting those plans," Tucek said.

When it comes to being at home, make sure you have all of the groceries and medication you'll need for several days in case getting to the store is impossible. Also, make sure you have alternate methods of heating in case the power goes out.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is doing its part by making sure it's ready to battle snowy and icy roads.

Because of last year's lack of winter in the area, INDOT is ahead of the game. Salt and labor budgets are in good shape, and the trucks are ready for the first accumulating snow.

Are you ready?

"The first snow hits, and it's really a shock for drivers," INDOT Spokeswoman Debbie Calder said. "We can't stress enough to remind drivers that when that first snow does hit to slow down. The main thing to tell people is drive according to the conditions of the roadway. "

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security said having extra food, water, a first aid kit, batteries and extra warm clothing in your car and at home at all times could save your life.

It all comes down to self preparedness.

"We want people to be prepared and take care of themselves and take some responsibility for their own safety," Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Director Smokey Anderson said.