How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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It's hard to argue the beauty of new fallen snow or the benefits of a family sledding day, but you can get too much of a good thing. A winter storm can gain strength quickly and leave you stranded for days. Being prepared for any amount of ice and snow can help save your life.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Blankets
Flashlights
Spare batteries
Bottled water
Extra clothing
Ice melt
Snow shovel
Portable radio
Candles and matches
Packaged foods
Source of heat
Games, books and movies

Step1

Monitor the weather regularly so you'll have advanced notice a winter storm is approaching. It will give you time to get to the store, gas up the car and tend to elderly friends or neighbors that may need your help.

Step2

Stock your vehicle with survival essentials in the event you get stranded in your car. A simple flat tire could turn ugly if you don't prepare. Carry blankets, a flashlight, batteries, bottled water, extra clothing, ice melt and a snow shovel.

Step3

Keep your cell phone fully charged at all times. Ice can form on power lines and down trees knocking out electricity for long periods of time. Most phones today use electricity, so your cell phone may be your only means of communication whether you're at home or in your car.

Step4

Prepare a winter storm survival kit for your home. Include a radio, flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, bottled water and packaged foods that can be eaten without having to cook them.

Step5

Identify a heat source you can utilize in your home in the event you lose electricity and stock up on the necessary fuel. Keep your fuel in a safe dry place you can access in a hurry if you need to.

Step6

Help keep water pipes in outside walls from freezing by letting faucets drip slightly when the temperature drops.

Step7

Prepare activities to entertain your family in the event you're stuck in the house for a few days. Set aside new games, movies and books to break the boredom.

Tips & Warnings

If your home heating source is firewood, don't keep it outside unprotected during winter weather. When the storm hits, it will be covered with wet snow and won't burn.
Carry a large bag of cat litter in the trunk of your car during winter weather. The extra weight will help give you a little extra rear traction. If you get stuck in snow, spread it on the ground under the tires that are spinning to give them the traction needed to move.