The National Weather Service has placed Greene County under a blizzard warning effective this morning through tomorrow morning and Jefferson Police Chief Dave Morlan wants to remind people of winter time traveling.

He says the best way to be safe during severe winter storms is being prepared.

“They should plan ahead.  Check 511ia.org website (and) check road conditions.  If it looks like it’s too bad than stay home.  If you get out there and go in a ditch somewhere, then somebody has to come out and try to help you out and that’s putting other people at risk too.”

If you do end up in a ditch, Morlan suggests you have an emergency kit in your vehicle that has food, water, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, a small shovel and jumper cables.  He recommends not leaving your vehicle if you happen to go into a ditch and to contact the Law Enforcement Center to notify them of your position in case of an emergency.

“Stay with their vehicle.  Somebody will come along and check that vehicle and put some tape on it if it’s in the ditch to alert other people that it’s been checked (and) if they wander away, they may not be found.”

Other tips Morlan adds is to increase your following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, be a defensive driver, resist the urge to pass slower-moving vehicles and always wear your seatbelt.

If you encounter an accident or go off the roadway and need help, call the LEC at 515-386-2136.