Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time.

Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Sign up for the MWT community's warning system. Email or call the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management Department to be added to the emergency alert notification system.

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.

Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.

Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.

For more information on winter preparedness, please contact the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management Department a (508) 477-5800, Nelson.Andrewsjr@mwtribe-nsn.gov Ext 15 or Allyssa.Hathaway@mwtribe-nsn.gov Ext 13.