Preparing for a Winter Disaster or Other Inclement Weather Situation
First, close all windows and doors. If you have storm windows, make sure they are down, and do not open doors unless it is an absolute must.
Make sure to wrap your interior water pipes with foam insulation tubes or drape blankets over them. Leave your faucets dripping to keep pipes from freezing.
If snow is headed your way, salt pathways from two entrances to the road and to your home’s outdoor gas and electrical lines. Leave the salt in a convenient place in your garage or inside your back door so you can have access to it during or after the storm.
Charge all cell phones and locate a battery-operated radio for storm updates in case of a power outage. Start listening early-most emergency warnings come a few hours before severe weather hits.
Once the storm has hit, it is a good idea to check for damage each hour. Waiting until the snow stops to fix problems may be too late.
Check for drafts, around windows or door edges, at regular intervals. Plug them with weather strips or stuff them with rags.
Keep an eye on your pipes. Regularly check that your pipes are not frozen and turn on your indoor taps. If nothing happens when you turn on the tap, it’s bad news. It can be fixed. Turn off the main water shutoff, find the cold section of the pipe, and defrost it with a hair dryer.
Perform damage checks, paying attention to attics and basements. If you find moisture, plug the source with a tarp and collect leaking water with a bucket. If the leak is near an electrical outlet, turn off the main electricity shutoff and call an electrician.
Go outside outside and check that electrical and gas lines and connections are intact. If you see damage or fallen branches, call your utility company.
Conserve heat during a power outage by moving the family into a central room and closing the doors.
Make sure to have these food items in your pantry before the storm:
*Grains
Crackers, cereals, trail mix, and granola bars
*Milk
Powdered or condensed
*Fruits and vegetables
Canned fruit cocktail and mixed vegetables
*Water
One gallon per person per day
*Ready-to-eat meals
Canned meals such as spaghetti, ravioli or stews
*Easy lunches
Peanut butter, jelly, and bread
*Baby and Pet Food
Four-day supply of baby formula, baby and/or pet food
*Beverages
Boxed or canned juices, milk and soup
*Extras
Instant coffee, tea, powdered creamer, sugar, salt, pepper and other spices
*Manual Can Opener
It is also a good idea to have these items in a central location:
Batteries
Battery-powered clock
Battery-powered radio
Blankets or sleeping bags
First-aid kit
Flashlights and batteries
Nonelectrical telephone
An oil or gas portable heater with enough fuel for a few days
Be safe and not sorry. Weather-related emergencies are easier to deal with when you are prepared.
