Don't let today's balmy weather lull you into complacency: The Chester County Department of Emergency Services (CCDES) is promoting winter preparedness and encouraging residents to prepare for winter weather with the first significant snowfall predicted for Wednesday - one of the busiest travel days of the year.

According to a weather briefing issued by the National Weather Service Mount Holly Weather Forecast Office on Monday, Nov. 24, Chester County could receive anywhere from two inches in the southeastern portion of the county to four inches in the northwestern portion of the county, a county press release said.

“We are encouraging everyone to watch the forecast closely and make alternative travel plans in the event this storm comes to fruition,” said John Haynes, acting director of emergency services.

“It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes to decrease your risk,” adds Haynes. “We urge everyone to sign up for a text and email service called ReadyNotifyPA (www.readynotifypa.org), which allows county and municipal officials to send email or text messages to cell phones, pagers or other email-enabled devices during an emergency. We also recommend that residents review and plan for any emergency by going to www.readychesco.org."

ReadyChesco.org promotes the preparation of ready kits for any type of emergency. Also on ReadyChesco.org are checklists to help prepare kits, especially for people with specific needs, such as the elderly; business owners; and pets.

Supplies that CCDES recommends adding to the kits, and checklists for winter weather include:

• Rock salt or other environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways

• Sand to improve traction.

• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

• Sufficient heating fuel and/or a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

“Winter weather can be risky for people who don't take the proper precautions, and I urge everyone to take the time to check their vehicles now, before traveling during this holiday season,” said Robert Kagel, deputy director for emergency management. “Make sure your vehicle has winter necessities like a shovel, windshield scraper, water, blankets and snack food.”

CCDES also warns of fire safety risks linked to keeping homes warm during winter storms, and recommends:

• Keep flammable items at least three feet from heat sources like radiators, space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves.
• Plug only one heat-producing appliance (such as a space heater) into an electrical outlet.
• Ensure there are working smoke alarms on every level of your home and check them on a monthly basis.