Staying Safe During Winter Weather in Ottawa County

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 11/10/2025 10:14 AM EST
Sheriff Emergency Management

11/10/2025

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Staying Safe During Winter Weather
in Ottawa County

Hello from Ottawa County Emergency Management!

Brrrrrrr!  We have received our first dose of winter weather here in Ottawa County. Here are some safety and preparedness tips to help you stay warm and safe over the winter months.

Staying Warm at Home

Use heat sources safely

  • If you use space heaters, keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, and furniture.

  • Plug space heaters directly into the wall outlet. Avoid extension cords and power strips.

  • Turn space heaters off when you leave the room and before you go to sleep.

  • Never use an oven or stove to heat your home.

Check your heating system

  • Have your furnace or other heating system inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional each year.

  • Make sure vents are clear of snow and debris so that exhaust can escape properly.

  • If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney inspected and cleaned regularly and use a sturdy screen to contain sparks.

Prevent carbon monoxide incidents

  • Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.

  • Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.

  • Never run generators, grills, or fuel burning devices inside a home, basement, or garage, or near a window or door.

Winter Travel

Preparing for Winter Travel

Before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and current road conditions before you travel.

  • Allow extra time to reach your destination and let someone know your route and expected arrival time.

  • Keep your gas tank at least half full in cold conditions to avoid fuel line freeze up.

Vehicle winter kit

Consider keeping the following in your vehicle throughout the winter season:

  • Blanket or sleeping bag

  • Extra hat, gloves, and warm clothing

  • Ice scraper and snow brush

  • Small shovel and sand or cat litter for traction

  • Flashlight with extra batteries

  • Jumper cables

  • Bottled water and non perishable snacks

  • Phone charger and portable power bank

On the road

  • Slow down and increase following distance. Bridges and overpasses often freeze first.

  • Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, and lights before driving.

  • If you begin to skid, stay calm, take your foot off the accelerator, and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

Prepping for power outages

Planning for Power Outages

Winter storms can sometimes lead to power outages. A little planning can make a big difference.

Build or update your home emergency kit

Keep supplies in an easy to reach location, including:

  • Flashlights and extra batteries

  • Battery powered or hand crank radio

  • Extra blankets and warm clothing

  • Non perishable food and manual can opener

  • Bottled water

  • A basic first aid kit

  • Any needed medications and medical supplies

If the power goes out

  • Report the outage to your utility provider.

  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help preserve food.

  • Use generators outdoors and away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

  • If you must go to a warming location, unplug sensitive electronics and turn off or disconnect appliances that may come back on automatically.

Checking on neighbots

Checking on Neighbors and Loved Ones

Cold weather can create special risks for:

  • Older adults

  • Young children

  • People with medical conditions or mobility challenges

  • People who may not have adequate heat

Take a moment to check in by phone, text, or in person if it is safe to do so. Make sure they have heat, warm clothing, needed medications, and a plan for transportation if conditions worsen.

Caring for Pets

Our pets feel the cold too.

  • Bring pets indoors during cold, windy, or snowy weather.

  • If animals must be outside, provide proper shelter, dry bedding, and unfrozen water.

  • Limit time outside for pets with short coats or health issues.

  • Wipe paws when they come inside to remove ice, salt, and chemicals that can irritate or be ingested.

Winter Planning

Create or Update Your Family Winter Plan

A simple written plan can help your family respond quickly and calmly.

Consider including:

  • How you will receive weather information if the power is out

  • A list of important phone numbers and contacts

  • A meeting place if you cannot get home

  • Plans for children, older family members, and anyone with special needs

  • Arrangements for pets if you need to leave home temporarily

Review the plan together so everyone knows what to expect.

Stay Informed

For more information about preparedness, emergency planning, and seasonal safety resources, visit the Ottawa County Emergency Management page:

www.miottawa.org/sheriff/em

You can also follow Ottawa County Sheriff and Ottawa County government channels on social media for updates and safety messages throughout the winter season.

Thank you for doing your part to stay prepared and to look out for others in our community.

Stay safe and stay warm,

Ottawa County Emergency Management