Just when we’re getting settled into summer-time weather, a blast of winter is headed our way. Some of us may have summer-induced amnesia, forgetting all about wintry conditions and the need to prepare for wet heavy snow, poor road conditions and potential power outages.
We have all the critical safety tips here for you to jog your memory.
The Red Cross recommends that you prepare for a winter storm, (even a winter storm in May) just as diligently as you would prepare for a wildfire, flood or other natural disaster.
Prepare in Advance
- Assembling an emergency preparedness kit.
- Creating a household evacuation plan that includes your pets.
- Staying informed about your community’s risk and response plans.
- Ensuring each family member knows how to get back in touch if you are separated during an emergency.
- Download the Emergency App for iPhone >> or for Android >>
Identify people who can help you stay at home or evacuate during an extended power outage. Keep a paper copy of your contact list.
Sign up for alert systems and apps for text alerts. Have communication devices that work without home power, including a crank or battery radio, a non-cordless home phone, chargers/batteries for your cell phones and your computers.
Store non-perishable food and water supplies for at least two weeks. Plan to use coolers and ice to extend food refrigeration and keep a thermometer in the fridge, freezer or cooler to monitor the food temperature.
Take an inventory of your electrical needs. Consider both back up and non-power alternatives for lighting, communication, medical devices and refrigerated medicine, cooking, garage doors, locks and elevators. Discuss a plan with your primary care or medical device providers for your medical needs.
Prepare a pet emergency kit for your companion animals.
Use methods such as sealing around windows to insulate your home. If the weather is very hot or very cold, plan to go to a location with air conditioning or with heat. Never use a generator, outdoor stoves or heaters indoors.
Install smoke alarms with battery backup on every floor, inside and outside sleeping areas. Test monthly. Make sure that you have one carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.
Make sure that you have current surge protectors for household electronics.
Plan how and when you will evacuate safely to maintain needs such as power-dependent medical devices. Keep your car gas tank at least half full.
Wet heavy snow and wind can cause downed powerlines and power outages
A power outage occurs when the electrical power goes out. Planned or unexpected, it can last for days or longer, disrupting communications, water, transportation, stores, banks and other services. This may impact needs such as lighting, heating, cooling, communication, food and medicine refrigeration, cooking and medical equipment. Plan now to have what you need and to know how to stay safe.
- Keep away from power lines. Stay at least 35 feet away from fallen power lines and anything they are touching. Call 911 and let them know.
- Avoid electrical shock in flood areas. Don’t go into flooded areas or use any electrical equipment or electronics that may have been submerged. Have a qualified electrical inspector check the electrical system.
- When in doubt, throw it out. If food is 40 degrees F or warmer, especially dairy and meat, throw it out. Ask your provider about using refrigerated medicines.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep generators, camp stoves and charcoal grills outdoors only in well-ventilated areas at least 20 feet away from windows.
Considering a Generator
If someone in your home relies on powered medical equipment, or you want to make sure your lights or water pump stay on, you might need a backup generator. Before heading to the hardware store, read our tips on how to choose the right generator for your household, and how to use a generator safely.
Beware of Frozen Pipes
Even if your power stays on, pipes that run through an unheated part of your home (such as a basement or crawl space) are vulnerable in the cold. A frozen pipe can burst and cause extensive water damage. Read our tips for preventing pipes from freezing – and for thawing them out if they’re already frozen.
Driving in Poor Weather Conditions
If you need to venture onto the roads during or just after a storm, you’ll want to be prepared. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has tips on winter tires, preventative maintenance, what to do if you get stuck on the road, and much more.
Care for your Pets in Extreme Weather
Extreme cold, icy surfaces and ice-melting chemicals can all be dangerous to your pets and livestock. Learn how to care for your animals in winter storm conditions.
