Winter Weather Preparedness

Are You Prepared for a Winter Storm?

Here Are Some Tips and Advice to Make Sure You Are Ready

Everyone is talking about the blizzard in the Northeast.  It has affected many people and would definitely not be a situation you would want to be in if you weren't prepared. Here are some tips to make sure you are prepared in case winter weather affects your region. 

 

Basic Supply Kit

A good start to being prepared for a winter storm is creating a basic disaster supply kit. Ready.gov recommends:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

 

In the chance that you are not home when a storm or disaster hits, it is a very good idea to make sure your vehicle is stocked with an emergency kit too.  

Car and Emergency Checklist

The CDC has a very handy checklist to prepare you for an emergency.  The thorough list includes: a Communications Checklist, a Heating Checklist, a Cooking & Lighting Checklist, a Food & Safety Checklist, a Water Checklist and a Car & Emergency Checklist.  View the checklists and get prepared here!

• View More on Emergency Preparedness on OACHC's Emergency Preparedness Webpage
• View Ready.gov's Tips on What to do Before, During and After a Winter Storm
• Help Spread the Word with this Winter Weather Social Media Toolkit