It's winter, and weather is so unpredictable that we have to be prepared for the worst possible winter weather yet to come.
Mother Nature could bring us a major winter storm that might last for several days or we could have freezing rain or sleet and very cold temperatures. We have all probably experienced a snowstorm, which has kept us homebound, without utilities.
Remember "Snowmageddon," the blizzard of 2010? My husband and I and our two dogs were without power, no lights and no heat, for five days. After three days, we couldn't take it anymore; boarded the dogs and went to stay at a local hotel where we could thaw out and keep warm. Quite an experience!
The Red Cross suggests putting together a supply kit to be prepared for a winter storm. Items to include are: a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day); at least a three-day supply of nonperishable, easy to prepare food; flashlight; battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible); extra batteries; first aid kit; seven-day supply of medications and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.).
More suggestions — multi-purpose tool; sanitation and personal hygiene items; copies of personal documents (medication list, pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies); cell phone with chargers; family and emergency contact information; extra cash; pet supplies; tools/supplies for securing home; sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery.
Also, warm coats, gloves, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members; and ample alternate heating methods (fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves). I would also suggest battery-operated candles, lanterns and lights, and don't forget non-electronic entertainment such as books, cards and board games.
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, garage, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate the device outside away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Carbon monoxide kills, so invest in carbon monoxide detectors/alarms to warn you of accumulating carbon monoxide.
You should also prepare your car for winter. Keep the gas tank full so the fuel line won't freeze. Make sure that your home is properly insulated to keep cold air out and have your heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year.If you go to Florida in the winter, leave the heat on in your home, set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't forget to run water at a trickle to help prevent pipes from freezing, whether staying at home or going away for the winter.
Driving and walking in winter weather — sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, or snow — can be extremely dangerous. The best decision is to stay safe at home, off the roads and sidewalks. Speaking of sidewalks and driveways, if you still own a home, these surfaces will need to be cleared of snow. Don't get out there yourself and shovel heavy snow. Make arrangements ahead of an impending snowstorm with your grandchildren or a young neighbor to do the shoveling. An alternative is to contract with someone to shovel whenever it snows. We have a contract with our lawn mowing service to clear the steps and driveway whenever it snows.
Keep your cell phone charged. If the power goes out, use it sparingly but do contact a family member, friend or neighbor to let them know how you are. It would be a good idea to set up a winter weather buddy contact list ahead of time, so that those who are most vulnerable get a call checking on them.