The region got its first taste of winter weather in the past couple days, though not quite the levels seen in downstate Wisconsin or even other parts of the Upper Peninsula.

Still, it’s a reminder that winter conditions, even storms, are back to being possible at this time of year.

With that in mind, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared this to be Winter Hazards Awareness Week. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division urges Michiganders in a news release to take steps now to prepare for winter emergencies to stay safe in the months ahead.

“The winter season is unpredictable,” Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD, said in the release. “We encourage everyone to prepare your home, vehicle, and family safety plan. Taking steps now gives you the best chance to stay safe when extreme cold, ice, and snow arrive. It’s not a matter of if, but when.”

Severe winter weather poses health and safety risks, from extreme cold and freezing pipes to potential propane shortages and power outages. To be ready for winter, MSP/EMHSD recommends these key steps:

Preparing homes for winter

Weatherproof your home by installing weather-stripping, caulking and insulation to walls, doors and windows.

— Insulate water lines along exterior walls to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

— Lock in a propane rate now and have a backup heating plan, such as a generator, wood stove or fireplace.

— Have a professional inspect gas or oil furnaces and replace the air filter.

— Schedule a fireplace and chimney inspection; contact your local fire department for a referral or look for a local inspector online.

— Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors near all sleeping areas. CO poisoning risks increase when furnaces are in use and during power outages, when people often use portable generators.

— Clean gutters to prevent ice dams that can lead to interior damage, and clear storm drains to avoid basement flooding.

— Keep an emergency kit at home, with water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, emergency lighting, flashlights, blankets and warm clothing.

Preparing vehicles for winter:

Service your radiator system, replace windshield wipers, and use winter-grade wiper fluid.

— Replace worn tires and check tire pressure regularly.

— Have your brakes, brake fluid, oil, battery, heater and exhaust inspected.

— Store an emergency kit in your vehicle with items such as batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, flashlight, scraper, jumper cables, mobile charger, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water in case you get stranded.

For more information on preparing for winter hazards, go to www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Facebook and X.