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.
