Tuesday, December 10, 2013

WINTER WEATHER CHECKLIST



Make sure that you take the necessary steps in preparing yourself for the cold weather outside.

Keep at least a 3-day emergency supply and a two-week supply if you live in a hard to reach area.  Include:
  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways.
  • Snow shovels and snow removal items.
  • Clothing and blankets to keep warm and avoid hypothermia and frostbite.
  • Sand to improve traction.
  • Sufficient heating fuel.
  • Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.


Make a Family Communications Plan.  Know how to contact your family members in an emergency.

Be alert to changing weather conditions
  • Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local news for critical National Weather Service (NWS) information.
  • Learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts.


Weatherize your home
  • Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year.
  • Install a smoke detector and battery-operated carbon monoxide detector.  Remember to test and replace batteries.


Prepare Your Vehicle
  • Minimize travel and plan ahead.  If you must drive, keep other informed of your schedule, stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
  • Keep a near full gas tank to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
  • Update the vehicle’s emergency kit with a shovel, windshield scraper, extra clothes and blankets, and emergency flare, and rock salt/sand.

 Courtesy of Emergency.cdc.gov



Thursday, June 6, 2013

It's Hurricane Season Again, Are You Prepared?


Hurricane season has started and many thousands of people now prepared.  The Centers for Disease Control has provided a information page on the top items everyone should have in their disaster bug-out supplies.

http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/kit/disasters/