Before the Storm:
Stay Informed:
Monitor local weather reports via radio, TV, or reliable weather apps. Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management office.
Prepare Your Home:
Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip slightly during cold spells to prevent freezing.
Check your heating systems. Have your furnace checked annually to ensure it's working efficiently.
Seal doors and windows to prevent drafts; consider using weather stripping or caulk.
Stock Up:
Gather enough food, water, and medications for at least three days. Opt for non-perishable items that require no cooking or refrigeration.
Include items like flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, blankets, warm clothing, and first-aid supplies.
Vehicle Readiness:
Keep your car's gas tank full to avoid the gas line freezing.
Prepare a winter emergency kit for your car with items like an ice scraper, shovel, blankets, water, snacks, jumper cables, and sand or cat litter for traction.
Plan for Pets:
Ensure you have enough food, water, and medication for your pets. Consider their comfort and safety, like a warm place to sleep.
During the Storm:
Stay Inside:
Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must go out, let someone know your destination, route, and expected return time.
Conserve Heat:
Close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
Dress warmly in layers, even indoors.
Monitor for Emergencies:
Use your radio to keep updated on the storm's progress and any local emergency instructions.
After the Storm:
Safety First:
Check for gas leaks or other hazards before using any appliances. If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, leave the building immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor's home.
Clear Snow:
Shovel snow safely; push the snow rather than lifting it when possible, and take breaks to avoid overexertion.
Check on Neighbors:
Especially those who might need help, like the elderly or those living alone.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Buildup:
Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves inside your home, garage, or near any window or vent, even with doors open.
Keep Hydrated:
Dehydration can be a risk in cold weather, so drink plenty of fluids.
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