With a winter storm system expected to move across Kansas this weekend, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management is advising Kansans to make sure they are prepared, especially if they have plans to travel over the weekend.

Kansans are urged to check their car and home emergency kits to make sure all supplies are present and all expiration dates are good.

“Avoid travel in areas where the winter storm system is expected, but if you must be on the road, be sure your car’s emergency kit is packed and ready,” said Angee Morgan, deputy director, Kansas Division of Emergency Management. “It should include bottled water, food, medicine, blankets, plus a shovel and ice scraper. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you leave and that your cell phone is fully charged. A car charger is also recommended.”

Morgan added, “A home emergency kit should contain all the essentials needed to be self-sustaining for a minimum of three days in case you are snowed in and there is a power outage. Essentials for your kit include nonperishable foods and high-energy snacks, bottled water, sanitary wipes, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, blankets, a safe alternate heat source, medicines, a first-aid kit, items for your pets, as well as games or books for your children.”

Check road conditions before you travel by going to the Kansas Department of Transportation website http://www.kandrive.org/  or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. If outside of Kansas, call 866-511-5368. Road conditions are also available on a mobile device by visiting  http://511mm.ksdot.org/

For other winter preparedness information, visit http://www.ksready.gov.