Preparedness before a Winter Storm

• Be familiar with winter storm warning messages.
• Service snow removal equipment and have rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary traction.
• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off.
• Winterize your home.
  • Insulate walls and attic.
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
  • Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
    
    
• Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
  • Fireplace with ample supply of wood
  • Small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel
  • Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters (See Kerosene Heaters.)
    
    
• Install and check smoke detectors.
• Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on winter storms.
• Keep pipes from freezing.
  • Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers.
  • Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
  • Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
  • Know how to shut off water valves.
    
    
• Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out.
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
  • First aid kit
  • One-week supply of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or cooking in case the power is shut off)
  • Nonelectric can opener
  • One-week supply of essential prescription medications.
  • Extra blankets and sleeping bags
  • Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)
    
    
• Develop an emergency communication plan.
  • In case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
  • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
    • Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
  • Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a severe winter storm.
  • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
    
    
• Kerosene Heaters
  • Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community.
  • Use only the correct fuel for your unit and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Refuel outdoors only, and only when cool.
  • Keep your kerosene heater at least 3 feet away from furniture and other flammable objects

 

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