Temperatures dropping may give rise to questions from renters about their heat policy. Brenda Konkel, Executive Director of the Tenant Resource Center, says they’re hotline gets a lot of calls asking when the landlords are supposed to turn on the heat. Konkel says there is no set date. “The landlord is required year round to have heating facilities that can reach 67 degrees.”

If the heat goes out, for whatever reason, there is no state law that lays out a specific time the landlord must address the problem. However most building inspectors agree the response should happen within 24 hours.

If the property owner is not living up their obligations, Konkel suggests contacting the city to complain.

If the tenant is responsible for shoveling the walk, Konkel suggests keeping an eye on the news to anticipate the weather.

Officials say don’t wait until it’s too late; prepare in advance of the winter emergency. Tod Pritchard, emergency preparedness coordinator at Wisconsin Emergency Management, says you never know when you will be in a crash, get stuck in the ditch, or have some mechanical problems. “Our number one goal is to get everyone in the state to get a winter emergency kit in their car.”

Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are reminding people about winter driving, frozen lakes, and avoiding carbon monoxide leaks. It’s also a good idea to have a weather radio and know the jargon. A watch means the potential exists for the development of severe weather. A warning means severe weather is occurring or is imminent.

Pritchard says an emergency kit with the basics can sustain your life until help arrives, including a blanket, water, protein snacks, and a shovel. He says you never know when you — and your would-be rescuers — will be stranded, such as in the Groundhog Day blizzard earlier this year. “You never know when you might have to be in your car for several hours either before help can get to you or you can get to where you’re going.”

Motorists should have at least a half a tank of gas at all times. Pritchard says there are about 60 deaths each winter on the roads, 20,000 crashes, and 6,000 injuries.

Call 511 anytime to get information on road conditions before hitting the highway, or visit 511wi.gov. A total snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches is possible in some areas north of Wausau.

This week (November 7th-11th) is Winter Awareness Week. NASCAR champion and Cambridge-native Matt Kenseth is teaming up with ReadyWisconsin to raise awareness. For more information on preparedness and emergency kids, visit ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:42

Other things to keep in your car:
-a shovel
-windshield scraper and small broom
-flashlight with extra batteries
-battery powered radio
-water
-snack food including energy bars, raisins and mini candy bars
-matches and small candles
-extra hats, socks and mittens
-First aid kit with pocket knife
-Necessary medications
-blankets or sleeping bag
-tow chain or rope
-road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction
-booster cables, emergency flares and reflectors
-fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention

We dodged a bullet, for now, so get ready.

Millions are scrambling without power on the east coast after a rare October snowstorm brought more than two feet of snowfall in some areas. Wisconsin Emergency Management‘s Tod Pritchard says now is the time for the rest of us to make a plan for the inevitable. “When you’re in the middle of the storm is the worst time to think about how to get ready for the storm because you’re already too late.”

Pritchard says you should have an emergency kit with nonperishable food, water, batteries, flashlight, and other necessary items so you don’t have to drive on the snow-covered, icy roads. On average, 60 people are killed and 6,000 injured on Wisconsin roads each winter.

Pritchard says, stay home, stay safe and stay warm. “The biggest thing we want to urge folks is that if you do use some sort of alternative heating source to make sure it’s meant to be used the way you’re using it; if you’re using some alternative heating source inside, make sure it’s for indoor use only.”

Carbon monoxide can rise to deadly levels indoors with the misuse of alternative heating units. It’s also a good idea to make note of names and locations of emergency shelters you might need to keep warm, and think about friends and family who might be able to offer a warm place to stay.

In addition to an emergency kit and an alternative heat source, communication is vital. Pritchard says a battery-powered or crank radio is a great tool to keep you informed during emergency situations. Visit ReadyWisconsin for more preparedness tips.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:31

The DNR is concerned about a fire danger in northwest Wisconsin after an 11- acre wildfire in a remote area north of Grantsburg kept state wildfire crews busy Sunday.

The counties of Polk, Burnett and Washburn are especially at risk. On Monday the fire danger rating in the counties went to “very high,” today they are at [Read more...]