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In preparation for winter or severe storms, stock disaster supplies to last
several days to a week for yourself
and those who live with you. This
includes having nonperishable foods,
stored water, and an ample supply of
prescription and nonprescription
medications that you regularly use.
As you would in preparation for a
storm of any kind have some extra
cash or traveler's checks on hand in case things are so mad the banks are closed. Cash or traveler's checks might even be a good idea depending on your circumstances.
In case the power fails, plan to use
alternative cooking devices in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions. Don't use open
flames or charcoal grills indoors.
Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and
gloves to keep warm.
Please do not plan to use
gas-fueled appliances, like an oven as an
alternative heating source. The same goes for
wood-burning or Liquid-fueled heating devices that do not vent to the outside.
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They are not designed to be used in a residential
structure. Camp stoves and heaters should only
be used out of doors in a well-ventilated area as they produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
If you do purchase an alternative heating
device, make sure it is approved for use indoors
and is Listed with the Underwriters Laboratories
(UL).
Have plenty of flashlights and extra
batteries on hand. Remember that using candles increases your risk of having a fire.
Examine your smoke alarms now. If you
have smoke alarms that are hard-wired into
your home's electrical system (most newer ones
are), check to see if they have battery backups.
Every fall or at least sometime annually, replace all batteries in all smoke
alarms as a general fire safety precaution.
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Have a
battery-operated radio or television for
information about the latest conditions.
If you plan to use a portable generator,
connect what you want to power directly to
the generator, do not connect the generator
to your home's electrical system. Also, be
sure to keep your generator in a well-ventilated
area either outside or in a garage, keeping
the door open. Don't put a generator in your
basement or anywhere inside your home. The fumes will get you!
Check with the emergency services
providers in your community to see if there
is more information available about how
your community is preparing for any
potential problems. Be an advocate and
support efforts by your local police, fire,
and emergency management officials to
ensure that their systems will be able to
operate at all times.
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