Are you prepared for the next power outage, roadside emergency, or Polar Vortex?
Snow storms, power outages, and sickness are all part of a typical northeastern winter and, according to Weather Spark, the coldest months of the year are upon us now, January and February.
Be prepared for travel, family gatherings, and winter’s relentless reputation, according to the CDC, there are a few things to keep on hand.
Must-Haves in the car:
- First-aid kit and flashlights
- Cell phone charger
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire (check tire air pressure and antifreeze level of the vehicle)
- Snow shovel and brush
- Tow rope
- Garbage bags and snow salt (or cat litter in place of snow salt)
- An extra blanket, snacks, and water
Must-Haves in the home:
- Smoke detector and carbon dioxide detector
- Heating system maintenance (be cautious with portable heaters)
- Mittens/winter gloves, hats, hand-warmers, boots, warm clothes
- Stay indoors to avoid hypothermia (limit time outside)
- Weather-strip/insulate doors, windows, water lines, walls, and the attic (pool noodles can help insulate pipes on an outside wall)
- Inspect chimney and flue
- Reverse ceiling fans
- Basic cold and flu meds (stock up on regular meds before the storm)
- A fully charged cell phone (use sparingly during outages)
- Bottled water, snacks, a spare cooler
- NEVER plug appliances into an extension cord and never plug one extension cord into another.
If power lines fall on a car or house, call 911 immediately. The Safety Action Center has a safety plan for exiting cars touching or near power lines.
The American Red Cross suggests making an Emergency Winter Kit and they provide a checklist to follow.
Get your home or car prepared.
