Winter weather can be devastating. Extreme weather of any kind can be a problem, but winter weather can knock out heat, power and communication services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. If it includes one or more of heavy snowfall, ice, or extreme cold, it can immobilize an entire region. It might even be nearly impossible to get to a place of safety.
Fortunately for those who keep abreast of possible dangers, and plan to prepare an emergency kit, there are steps to be taken to be ready for winter weather.
In preparation for a winter storm, suggested supplies to add to the emergency kit include the following: Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways; Sand to improve traction; Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment; Adequate clothing and blankets for warmth; Sufficient heating fuel.
Since it is not out of the question for residents to become isolated in their homes, and it is possible regular fuel sources may be cut off, it is recommended for residents to store a supply of dry, seasoned wood for the fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A family Communications Plan is also recommended. Since the family may not be together when disaster strikes, it is important to know how to contact one another, how to get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
It is usually helpful to listen to a NOAA Weather radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). But above all, be alert to changing weather conditions.
Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supply kit in the vehicle.
Bring pets / companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
It is a good idea to update vehicular emergency kits. Suggested items include: a shovel; windshield scraper and small broom; flashlight; battery-powered radio; water; snack food; matches; extra hats, socks and mittens; first aid kit with pocket knife; any necessary medications; blankets; tow chain or rope; road salt and sand; booster cables; emergency flares; fluorescent distress flag.
A few tips for the people preparing for the storm:
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).