Indiana State Police are asking that with the severe weather, citizens should not call police agencies to ask for weather or road information. Instead, look to local media reports so that emergency lines can stay open. “As anyone who has lived in Indiana for any length of time will tell you, we can experience all four seasons within one week, and sometimes in one day,” said Capt. David Bursten, chief public information officer for the Indiana State Police. “Please heed the information in this 'weather watch' and evaluate your reason for traveling if the weather becomes as severe as the watch indicates is possible.” ISP states that if travel is a must, remember these points: • Have a fully charged cell phone • Have a vehicle emergency kit • Have non-perishable food and water bottles in your vehicle • Reduce your speed • Increase your following distance. Ed Rock, Kosciusko County emergency management director, anticipates that the winter advisory will soon turn into a winter storm watch. At this point. people need to decide whether or not leaving the house and driving is completely necessary. To see a travel advisory map, visit www.in.gov/dhs and click on Indiana County Travel Advisory Map. This site will also state the level of travel advisory. There is also a mobile app with this information. Rock said that the Kosciusko County Emergency Management Agency Facebook page will be updated regularly with information. Representatives from NIPSCO advise that everyone monitor the weather and know what conditions are forecasted for your area. If someone in your family requires life support equipment, make prior arrangements for a back-up power supply. This may mean having a back-up power supply such as a generator or going to a health care facility that has back-up power. Also, clear snow away from headlights and taillights, as well as all windows, before driving. Another source for road information is http://www.in.gov/indot/2420.htm and for automated road information, call 1-800-261-ROAD (7623). Several local agencies have closed for the day. These include the Winona Lake town office, the city of Warsaw, all local schools and the Salvation Army.
