(KANSAS CITY, Kan.) — During winter storms or periods of extreme cold weather,
staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms in the Midwest can bring
frigid temperatures and heavy snow, power failures, loss of communication services,
and icy roads. The primary concerns at home during a winter storm are loss of heat,
power, and telephone service – and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue
for more than a day. To keep yourself and loved ones safe, be prepared before a
winter storm hits by planning ahead.
Steps to Take BEFORE a Winter Storm Hits
- ✓ Listen to weather forecasts regularly and check supplies whenever you are
expecting a winter storm or extreme cold.
- ✓ Make sure you have at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food that requires
no cooking or refrigeration.
- ✓ Ensure you have all prescriptions filled and enough medicines on hand for at
least three days – even a week just in case. This will save you from having to
run to the pharmacy when the roads are bad.
- ✓ Have an Emergency Kit available that includes batteries, candles, bottled
water, matches, a battery-operated radio, and other necessary items.
- ✓ Don’t forget to stock up on baby items like formula and diapers, as well as
toilet paper, hygiene products, etc. for other household members.
- ✓ Charge Up. Make sure your phone and other devices are fully charged.
- ✓ Check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm,
especially older adults and young children.
- ✓ Bring pets indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to
keep them warm, and make sure they have access to unfrozen water and
enough pet food.
- ✓ Be careful not to overexert yourself. Many heart attacks are brought on by
overexertion from shoveling or clearing snow during and after storms.
Weatherproofing Your Home
- ✓ Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will
be less likely to freeze.
- ✓ Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Insulate walls and attics.
- ✓ Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the
inside.
- ✓ Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or
other structure during a storm.
- ✓ Mark sure smoke detectors and battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors
are in working order. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
Create an Emergency Car Kit
It is best to avoid traveling, but if travel is necessary, keep the following in your car:
- ✓ Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries.
- ✓ Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets.
- ✓ Windshield scraper, shovel, flashlight, etc.
- ✓ Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
- ✓ Keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- ✓ Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables.
For more information on related topics, go to www.BPU.com. BPU also provides helpful
information on a variety of issues through videos on its YouTube channel.