When the winter weather blows, will your family be prepared?
Sometimes winter can bring some challenges to even the most organized homes. They can also make the roads and walkways hazardous, and can cause power outages.
Now is the time to review your family’s emergency preparedness. This Winter Preparedness Checklist will help you prepare your home and vehicle for cold weather.
Outside Your Home:
Will your home welcome winter visitors safely? Get ready for the snow, ice or rain on walkways and driveways by stocking up on these cold weather basics.
· Snow Shovels
· De-icing or Ice Melt
· Waterproof floor mats
Inside Your Home:
Household emergency supplies should include enough food, water and supplies to feed your family for 4 days without power or help. Check your home emergency kit against this basic checklist.
· Food that doesn’t require refrigeration, such as canned meats, soups, stews, cereal, and energy bars.
· Portable cooking stove (Like one for backpacking), and fuel.
· Portable cooking stove cooking kit (pot, pan, spoon)
· Manual can opener
· Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils
· 1 gallon of water per person per day (allow enough for 4 days) You can also buy a water purification system for backpacking.
· Flashlights and batteries
· Battery-powered Radio
· Battery-powered Clock
· Cell Phone
· Four-day supply of prescription medications
· Blankets and Cold Weather Clothing for each family member
· Pet food and additional water for household pets if you have any.
On The Road:
Winter driving can mean dealing with ice, snow, and hazardous roads. Road conditions can change in an instant. Before traveling, give your cars a winter preparedness exam.
· Check Anti-Freeze
· Check and Replace older batteries
· Remember to keep the gas tank near full to avoid freezing water in the fuel line
· Check tires and spare tire for proper inflation and proper tread (replace any tires that are low on tread)
· Bag of sand, road salt or non-clumping cat litter. The bag’s extra weight means better traction, and the contents can be spread under slipping tires.
· Ice Scraper
· Jumper Cables
· Small Compact Shovel (to dig snow away from wheels, or to scatter sand on the roadway)
· Tire Chains (every driver should practice putting them on)
· Flares or reflective triangle to warn other people if you break down
· Blanket
· Flashlight and batteries
· Gallon jug of drinking water
· First aid kit
You should also have a backpack in your car that is easy to carry in case you need to abandon your car. Your emergency backpack should include:
· Jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy snow-proof boots for each traveler
· Nonperishable food
· Bottled Water
· Cell Phone
· Money
Have a safe Winter!