Winter Weather
Primary concerns are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.
Things to Have
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery powered National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
- Extra food and water. Have high energy food such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration
- Extra medicine and baby items
- First aid supplies
- Heating fuel
- Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, space heater
- Use properly to prevent a fire
- Ventilate properly
- Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm
- Make sure pets have plenty of food, water, and shelter
- Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm!
- Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins.
- Carry a winter storm survival kit.
- Avoid traveling alone.
- Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
Things to Have in Your Survival Kit
- Battery booster cables
- Blankets/sleeping bags
- Compass and road maps
- Extra clothing to keep dry
- First aid kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- High calorie, nonperishable food
- Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Knife
- Large empty can to use as an emergency toilet. Tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes.
- Mobile phone, charger, batteries
- Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
- Shovel
- Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
- Tool kit
- Tow rope
- Water container
- Windshield scraper and brush
- Move animals to sheltered areas. Shelterbelts, properly laid out and oriented are better protection for cattle than confining shelters, such as sheds.
- Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas.
- Have water available.
- Make sure pets have plenty of food, water, and shelter.