A Feb. 6 snowstorm in southern Wisconsin created road conditions so hazardous that I-90/39 between Madison and the Illinois state line became impassable and clogged with stranded motorists.

Snowmobile clubs were called in to supply blankets and food, and, in some cases fuel, to the stranded motorists. Before the 12-hour ordeal was over, the National Guard was summoned to provide assistance.

The event prompted a state investigation into the timeliness of the response of emergency personnel. At the same time, it became a teachable moment for motorists about how to cope with a winter emergency.

The state on Friday wrapped up Winter Awareness Week, an annual campaign sponsored by Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service to raise people's consciousness of winter safety.

In a typical winter, harsh weather accounts for 17,000 crashes in Wisconsin. Those crashes account for 75 deaths and 7,000 injuries.

"First, you need to heed the warnings," said Capt. Paul Rusch of the Calumet County Sheriff's Department. "And then you need to be prepared if you do get caught in a storm, because people may not be able to get out and rescue you."

Rusch said it is a good idea to keep a minimum of a half-tank of gas at all times, among other things.

"My wife works in sales and makes a lot of calls to residences and at this time of year we throw in the trunk boots, a coat, caps, gloves and maybe it would even be a good idea to put some candy bars or granola bars in so at least you can have a snack," Rusch said.

A typical survival kit should include blankets or sleeping bags, a flashlight (with extra batteries), a first aid kit, shovel, tools, booster cables, nonperishable food items and cat litter to be used for traction, according to the state Department of Transportation,

Motorists should heed the weather warnings.

The National Weather Service classifies its warnings into three categories: a winter storm watch, a winter storm warning and a blizzard warning.

A winter storm watch indicates winter storm conditions (heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain) are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours.

A winter storm warning is issued when a significant weather event is occurring within the next 24 hours.

A blizzard warning is issue in advance of a storm packing winds 35 mph or greater and with visibility reduced to a quarter-mile or less for a duration of at least three hours.

If it is any comfort, the National Weather Service's long-range forecast through January calls for above-average temperatures for Wisconsin and near normal precipitation.

— Dan Wilson writes for The Post-Crescent of Appleton.