Tips for Preparing for Winter Weather

Essential Supplies To Get Before The Storm

Before a winter storm, it’s important that you stock up on the supplies you need to make yourself safe and comfortable in case impacts of the storm prevent you from leaving.

A key component of your winter storm supply kit should be non-perishable food items like canned goods, dried fruits, nuts and granola bars. It’s important to stock enough food to last at least three days. Also include a manual can opener as power outages render electric can openers useless.

In addition to food, be sure you have a sufficient supply of bottled water as plumbing may freeze during extreme cold. Have at least one gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days. If you have hand or body warmers, you may even be able to melt small amounts of frozen drinking water in the event of a freeze.

If you drive, it’s important that you keep essential supplies in your vehicle as well. In the off chance that you get stuck on the road, your safety might be dependent on your preparedness. Keep jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and nonperishable snacks. If you know a storm is coming it’s a good idea to replenish your vehicle’s fuel before the roads are icy.