How to Prepare and Survive During a Weather Emergency

Depending on where you live, bad weather will eventually visit your area. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, electrical storms or snow storm, you should be prepared for the worst. We have become a society that cannot operate without power. If you follow these tips and your power does go off for an extended time, you can at least feel confident that you are capable of taking care of you and your family for an extended period of time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Water Supply
   
   You should keep a supply of water on hand for times when the power in your community is knocked out by extreme weather conditions. You should have 1-2 gallons per individual in your home. You should add an extra gallon per pet. Water keeps rather well if it is sealed. You should replace water every 2-3 months to ensure quality.
2. Food Supply
   
   You should set aside canned goods that are for emergencies only. You can easily stock up on these items when there are sales at the grocer. It is good to purchase an equal amount of fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget a manual can opener. Other food items such as crackers, dry cereals, cake and cookies should be taken from the emergency supply and eaten every 4-6 weeks and replaced. You should also stock up on baby food if you have an infant.
3. Heat Source
   
   If you live in the north and are blanketed with snow storms, you should always make sure that you have a back up heat source. This can be wood for a fireplace or free standing stove. If you do not have this as an option, you should have a propane or a kerosene heater stored in your garage. Please don’t forget the fuel!
4. General Supplies
   
   You should always have a battery operated radio in your home, as well as flashlights. Make sure you have plenty of batteries for both. You should also have a ready supply of candles on hand. You may want to consider having an oil lamp. They burn slower than candles. These items can be kept in a plastic tub and pulled out quickly if your power goes out.
5. You should also have a supply of garbage bags, toilet paper, diapers, wipes for personal use, and wipes for disinfecting. This supply should only be used in an emergency situation. Remember to replace the diapers as your child goes to the next size.