Winter has arrived and, with more than 10 inches on the ground, here are a few important things you can do to be ready for an emergency in your neighborhood:

-- HELP US FIND YOU: We can't find your house if you have an EMS or fire emergency if your house number is obscured by snow or ice. If your house number is on your mailbox, make sure it is clear of snow. Especially at night, finding the right house may make the difference in how fast we can respond (BTW, this applies in good weather too -- big numbers, in a lighted area, assures a fast response...and if your house is back from the road, post a house number with reflective numbers in sight of the road).

-- CLEAR THOSE FIRE HYDRANTS: If your neighborhood has fire hydrants, clear snow away from them, and help yourself and your neighbors. If there is a fire, those hydrants are needed in a hurry, and are often buried by snow plows. Take a few minutes and clear around them and help us save lives.

-- Help municipal workers clear the roads by moving vehicles off the street. This gives room for the plows to do their work and helps keep the roadway better open for emergency responders.

-- Remember, once snow plows clear the roads, you likely will need to go back out and assure that fire hydrants, house numbers, and driveways are clear and accessible.

Melting snow this week will refreeze and make for slippery roadways, sidewalks and driveways. Stay safe out there!