• Be Prepared
– Keep a battery powered radio and flashlights in working
order, stock extra batteries.
• Store drinking
water and have food that can be prepared without an electric
or gas stove. Stock emergency water and cooking supplies. Have
candles and matches available in case of a power outage. Be
careful how you use them.
• Be certain that
needed medications are available.
• Be prepared
for isolation at home – Make sure you have sufficient
heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. Have some
kind of emergency heating equipment and fuel so that you can
keep at least one room warn, but do NOT use a gas fired grill
inside the home. Take measures to protect plumbing from freezing.
Contact local utilities for winter tips.
• Keep
your car or truck “winterized” - Winterizing includes
being certain about antifreeze protection levels and use a gasoline
additive to reduce gasoline freezing. Carry a “Winter
Car Kit” that includes high energy foods, a windshield
scraper, flashlight, tow rope or chain, shovel, tire chains,
blanket, bag of sand or salt, fluorescent distress flag and
an emergency flare – all in case you’re trapped
in your vehicle by a winter storm. Keep extra gloves, mittens,
hats, earmuffs and outerwear in the vehicle throughout the winter.
• Stay Informed – Listen to radio or television
for updates on weather conditions. With early warning, you may
avoid being caught in the storm, or at least be better prepared
to cope with it.
• Dress for the season: Avoid
getting wet – Many layers of thin clothing are warmer
than a single layer of thick clothing. Mittens are warmer than
gloves. Wear a hat; most body heat is lost through the top of
the head. Cover your mouth to protect lungs; don’t directly
inhale extremely cold air.
• Overexertion can
bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death during
and after winter storms.
• If you are isolated
at home – conserve fuel by keeping your house cooler than
usual and by “closing off” heat to some rooms. When
kerosene heaters are used, maintain ventilation to avoid toxic
fumes. Use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer and
follow operating instructions. Use a carbon-monoxide detector/alarm
and a smoke alarm.
• Do Not Drive into Worsening
Conditions – If you must travel, take winter driving seriously.
Travel by daylight, and keep others informed of your schedule.
Drive with extreme caution. Never try to save time by driving
fast or by using back-road shortcuts.
