Winter is far from over, though, as Hamilton County Sheriff Alex Pruismann cautions drivers this holiday weekend and throughout the winter months.

Pruismann was very proactive during the snowstorms, warning drivers to stay home when white-outs and heavy snow threatened the most seasoned drivers. Even though forewarned, both travellers, and law enforcement found themselves in frightening and perilous conditions.

While we are enjoying a few days of abnormally mild winter driving conditions, Pruismann cautioned the public to pay attention and be prepared for future storms.

“Last week’s pop-up storm was the worst and weirdest storm I’ve seen this year,” said Pruismann. “We knew we had a ground-cover storm, but we had no real warning (ahead of time).”

The storm last Thursday afternoon initiated 89 calls for service. There were 33 calls to 911, 23 for disabled motorists and 5 accidents in just a few short hours.

The Thursday afternoon storm itself was akin to the “Children’s Blizzard,” which hit Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and the Dakotas in 1888. The storm killed 200 to 250 people.

According to the National Weather Service website, it was considered one of the deadliest winter storms ever in the upper midwest. Unseasonably warm weather left children unprepared for the sudden onslaught of high winds and snow.

Children who had walked to school were caught in school buildings, some of which couldn’t withstand the winds. Many who died were children who had walked to their country schoolhouse. They were without adequate clothing and families were unable to reach them with transportation at a standstill.

There was no warning. The history of this storm is described in the book “The Children’s Blizzard,” by David Laskin, found on websites on the Internet.

Today, we don’t have that excuse.

“I wish people would pay attention and heed the warnings,” said Pruismann.

During the first winter storm the weekend after Thanksgiving, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s department responded to 194 calls for service. In addition there were 94 calls to 911, 88 calls from disabled motorists. The Sheriff’s department responded to 12 accidents during the two days between November 28 and November 30.

Compared to December 6 and 7, there were 98 calls for service. The 911 system received 52 calls, 46 were from disabled motorists, and there were five accidents.

The numbers were slightly down, but the risk to those who responded was still severe.

According to Pruismann, deputies are not out patrolling during a storm. They are situated in safe places, positioned for the inevitable emergency calls. Then they do their best to reach them.

“Make a plan,” urged Pruismann. “Think ahead, plan ahead. If you absolutely have to be out, keep the gas tank full. If in a ditch, make sure the exhaust is clear from snow.”

Pruismann said having an emergency kit in the car is important. If a traveler calls for help, they will be asked if they have supplies to keep them safe until help can arrive. There is no guarantee when help can get to them in those circumstances.

Items recommended by National Weather service website includes a flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit, snow shover, ice scraper with a brush, blankets/sleeping bag, non-perishable food, bottled water, booster cables, extra clothing, such as hats, mittens parkas, boots, sand/kitty litter for traction, cell phone and a charger and flares/ triangles and other bright objects.

Pruismann urges travelers to not only listen to forecasters but to be aware of some of the apps and websites that keep travelers informed.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s office has an app that can be downloaded to phones which will keep residents warned about changing local road conditions. This feature will push emergencies to the top of the drive. The Iowa Storm Chasing network is another site he recommended, in addition to a local site, “Attig and Hobbs” out of Fort Dodge. Some of these warning systems are managed by volunteers who are just trying to help out their neighbors.

Pruismann said he knows there are health emergencies which make it necessary to travel. He advises travelers to watch the Iowa Department of Transportation’s 511 map, and note where conditions are changing.

He also reminded people who have to work, that they should make plans to stay in a safe place close to their job. Travel before and after the storm period has gone through the area.

Pruismann has gone to Facebook trying to warn residents of the severe conditions during the past. Travel conditions within the city is not an indication of what is happening in the open country, and he has tried to share the conditions that he and others in his department are experiencing.

“Luckily we didn’t have any deaths,” he said.

Let’s keep it that way.