Are You Winter Storm Ready?
Tis the season to be prepared for winter storms. As Charley Shimanski, Disaster Services Senior Vice President for the American Red Cross, said, “We’re heading into winter, when blizzards and bitter cold can be a challenge in some parts of the country.”
A winter storm may be just a moderate snowfall lasting a few hours, or a dangerous blizzard that lasts for several days. Many bring dangerously low temperatures with them, along with strong winds, ice, sleet and freezing rain.
The Red Cross recommends steps you can take to be prepared before the storm hits.
- Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full to keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Insulate your home & install storm windows/cover the windows with plastic to keep cold air out.
- Maintain your heating equipment, and have your chimney cleaned and inspected.
- Dress in layers of lightweight clothing, and wear mittens and a hat that covers your ears.
- Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
- If a storm is coming your way, minimize travel. Keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
- Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure their drinking water doesn’t freeze.
- During extreme cold, running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
For more tips on how you can stay safe and warm this winter check out the following links
Winter Storm Safety and Preparedness Checklist (PDF)
Frostbite and Hypothermia [pdf]
Power Outage Checklist [pdf]
