How to prepare for a winter storm

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Take the time to prepare a winter survival kit for your home

The winter kits should include several days of non-perishable items, such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned foods, and dried fruits. An emergency supplies list should include an alternate way to stay warm during a power failure, such as kerosene for a kerosene heater or extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats.

Ensure that you have matches, a first aid kit with instruction manual, candles, flashlight or battery-powered lantern, battery-powered radio, battery-powered clock or watch, extra batteries, non-electric can opener, snow shovel, rock salt, any special needs items (diapers, hearing aid batteries, medications, and so forth)

Prepare your home for the coming storm

If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, ensure that your chimney or flue has been inspected. Ensure that there is a working smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated.

Make sure to have a communication checklist

Listen to emergency broadcasts and weather forecasts. Get your phone batteries charged, and all devices that you may use.

Make a family communication plan. Your family may not be together during a winter event, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do during an emergency.

Look over your car and emergency checklist

Get gas in your car ahead of the storm. Check your antifreeze, oil, and wiper fluid.