CHENANGO COUNTY — With the wintery months ahead, it's time to stock up on emergency backup supplies and prepare for possible power outages, messy roads and cold weather conditions.

According to the National Weather Service, a powerful weather system hit the region, bringing a mix of heavy rain, powerful winds, lake effect snow, and ice accumulation.These conditions brought power outages to local areas and created hazardous travel. 

The City of Norwich Police Deputy Chief Matthew Roberts shared a few safety reminders for city residents.

"It's important that people walk on the sidewalks, even if they aren't shoveled, it's safer than walking on the snowy roads," said Deputy Chief Roberts.

"Don't shovel or snow blow your snow into the road," Roberts said, "It just goes right back into the roadway."

He noted to salt sidewalks, and with the cold weather, keep animals inside in a warm shelter with food and water.

"People worry more about animals than they do people, so make sure animals are safe," Roberts added.

Local area residents took to social media and shared experiences of whiteout conditions in Oxford, heavy snowfall and icy conditions in Norwich and slippery roads as they traveled home.

Staying warm in winter months and during power outages is one of the most important factors in daily life in New York. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends outdoor trips should be limited and proper outdoor attire should be worn such as layering clothing or wearing Thinsulate® garments, a face mask, a warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots.

According to the CDC, wearing layered clothing during cold weather helps insulate the body against frigid temperatures. Excessive sweating during snow shoveling can cause the body to lose more heat, so wearing layers will allow individuals to remove a layer while still staying protected against the cold.

The U.S. National Weather Service notes winter weather preparedness tips at www.weather.gov as follows:

Make sure your home, office and vehicles are well stocked with supplies you might need.

Items should include flashlights, extra batteries, baby needs, extra pet food, shelter for pets, extra food and water such as nuts, granola bars, non-perishable items, first aid supplies, fire extinguisher, heating fuel, alternative heating sources; woodstove, fireplace, space heater, and extra prescription medicines.

Review generator guidelines and check the carbon monoxide detector is working.

Keep vehicles stocked with a cell phone charger, first aid kit, water and snacks, mittens, hat, boots, warm clothes, flashlight, jumper cables, snow shovel and brush, spare tire, flares, full tank of gas, sand or kitty litter, tow rope, and blankets.

Farm owners and pet owners should move animals to shelter, haul extra food to feeding areas, and have water available, 

For more information on cold weather safety, visit CDC.gov/winter-weather/safety/.

For weather updates in the Chenango County area, visit Weather.gov or download the Norwich/Chenango EMO app.