Prepping for a Winter Storm Before it Happenes

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Damage

• Make sure you have a 3 day supply of water (3 gallons per person) and easy to prepare food.  Here is my favorite 72 hour low-prep food kit.
• Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio so you can stay aware of the situation if your other communication sources are cut off.  Make sure it is battery operated and that you have extra batteries.
• Make sure you have a good shovel.  You may need to dig yourself out before help gets there.  Or you simply may need to dig out your car!
• Purchase a supply of flashlights (with batteries) and candles.
• Clean and inspect your chimney if you have one.  Make sure you have a supply of wood.
• Make sure you have an ample supply of blankets.  If you power goes out, you will need as many as you can get!
• Clear rain gutters and repair roof leaks.
• Have an alternate way of cooking.  A small “camp stove” works well for short-term emergencies.  You may also consider a butane stove which is safe to use indoors (with a cracked window).  Make sure that whatever you choose that you have enough fuel.  Cook in a well-ventilated garage (like with the door open) to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home.  The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increasing during winter storms as people turn to alternate heat sources.
• Learn how to care for frostbite and hypothermia.  Make sure you click on those links and print those out NOW in case your power goes out during a storm.
• Weatherstrip any drafty doors or windows.
• Purchase rock salt (or something similar) to help you keep walkways safe.
• Install good winter tires on your car and make sure the wipers work well.
• Make sure you have fire extinguishers in your home and that everyone knows how to use them.  House fires are much more common during winter storms as people turn to alternate heat sources.
• Consider purchasing a good supply of heat packs.
• Consider purchasing a kerosene heater.  Make sure it is legal in your area