Preparing Your Home for After a Snowstorm
It’s blizzard season again and you may know from past experience, the after-storm can be the worst if you are not prepared. Here are some essential items to have stored in one safe place in case you need them for a few days following the blizzard.
- A gas-fueled generator and a several large containers of gasoline. Of course you will buy the gas shortly before the storm. Store only in approved fuel containers. Do not ever operate a gas-run generator inside any structure as it produces an ordorless gas that can kill people and pets.
- Batteries, batteries and more batteries of all sizes.
- Flashlights,candles and safe holders for the candles. Large box of matches.
- Emergency food such as cans and other non-perishables. Plenty of bottled water.
- A weather radio.
- A large shovel for clearing doorways and driveways.
- Warm clothing
- If there are infants, a back-up supply of formula and diapers.
- Buckets in case there are roof leaks. Plastic tarps and duct tape in case windows are broken by tree limbs.
- Before the storm fill vehicles with gas. Locate snow chains in case needed after the storm.
- Playing cards and board games in case no electricity and family must resort to traditional forms of entertainment
- Mouthwash, water-less shampoo, cleaning wipes in case water mains are compromised.
- In case a storm produces straight line winds and becomes unusually furious, have already planned a safe room in the house.
- Included in your supply boxes have important phone numbers to utility companies, tree services, the direct number to closest fire station, and of course your insurance agents number.
