Winter Storm Prep: What You Can Do Now

Winter storms bring extreme danger. They can easily trap people in their homes, buildings and cars, and make it dangerous to even just stand outside.

Here are five moves you can take now to be prepared—and safe—before a storm hits.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Have Safety Supplies Ready

Stock up on essential items in case the power goes out or you become snowed in:

• Charged cell phone.
• One gallon of water per person, per day.
• Nonperishable food items.
• Battery powered radio and extra batteries.
• Candles and lighters.
• Flashlights.
• First-aid kit.
• Extra clothing and blankets.

 

 

 

 

2. Find Shelter

Stay indoors during extreme cold weather. Do the following items, then grab a blanket and get cozy:

• Stay in a place that has reliable heating systems.
• Keep the heat on at all times.
• Keep room doors and windows closed and covered.

PS: If you absolutely must be on the road, see Tip 4.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Avoid Frozen Pipes

Frigid temperatures can cause pipes to freeze or burst. To avoid costly, destructive damage:

• Set the building thermostat higher than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wrap any pipes that may be exposed to freezing temperatures with pipe insulation.
• Turn your faucets to a slow drip if the temperature gets extremely cold.
• Open cabinet doors where pipes are located to allow room temperature air to flow in.

 

 

 

 

4. Create a Vehicle Survival Kit

If possible, stay off the roads during a winter weather event. However, if you must travel, make sure you have winter emergency items in your vehicle, such as:

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
• Jumper cables.
• Non-perishable foods and water.
• Candles and lighters.
• First-aid kit.
• Maps, shovels and flares.
• Snowbrush or ice scraper.
• Bag of sand or cat litter.
• Extra windshield fluid.
• Winter boots, blankets and warm clothes.

 

 

 

 

5. Plan for Snow Removal

Although snow looks soft, you never know what could be underneath. Here’s how to properly remove snow and ice to avoid slips and falls:

• Keep snow and ice removal equipment, such as shovels, ice melt and snow blowers, at the ready.
• Develop a plan for snow and ice removal that includes who will do the task and when.