How to prepare for winter storms

Unless experienced firsthand, most of us aren't aware that winter ice storms can create as much havoc as summer wind storms. We learn too late that our disaster preparation plans should extend into winter. Hopefully you will never need to use your winter disaster kit, but if you prepare now and need it, you will be ready.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• portable radio
• blankets
• can opener
• canned food
• medications
• pet food
• flashlight
• fresh batteries
• container
• other supplies as needed

1. The first step in preparing for a winter ice storm is to make a list of items you need. Disastrous ice storms like those that occurred in 2006 across the Midwest and East Coast disrupted power for extended periods of time. Some homes were without power for as long as two weeks in the middle of a cold, bitter winter.
2. A good disaster plan should include evacuation plans. If the power goes out due to downed lines, will you stay home and try to ride it out, or will you go somewhere with power? Remember that roads may be impassable in an ice storm and hotels will quickly fill up.
3. If you plan to stay home, what source of alternative heat will you use? The first night with no furnace will be uncomfortable, but how will you survive if the outage continues? If you don't have an alternative source of heat (fireplace, wood-burning stove), consider purchasing a unit that can be safely used indoors. Some people store kerosene and other types of heaters in their garage for such emergencies, but you will need to research the safety of these heaters, especially concerning indoor use.
4. As you make your list of items for your disaster kit and begin to gather them, find a suitable container to hold everything and keep it in an accessible area. If you store anything outside of the house, such as a heater, bring it indoors when the weather channel begins to issue weather advisories. It's better to have it and not need it, than to have to trudge out to the garage in the middle of an ice storm and risk injury.
5. You will need food that does not need to be heated. Protein bars and other high-energy snacks are a good addition to the kit, as are fruit drinks, prepared soups and pasta that can be eaten cold. Don't forget to add a manual can opener!
6. A light source is a necessity. You can find inexpensive battery-powered lanterns that will cast a wider path of light than a standard flashlight, but the flashlight is a requirement.
7. Don't forget extra medications that you take on a daily basis.
8. Always remember your pets! Have some emergency food in the kit for them.
9. If you plan to ride this out, be sure and add some activity books for yourself and the kids. Puzzle books can help pass the time while you wait for the power to be restored.
10. And don't forget that ever-important battery-powered (or crank) radio, along with a fresh pack of batteries.
11. If you're using cordless phones around the house, add an old, corded phone to your kit. Many times the power will go out but the phone lines are intact. Cordless phones won't work, but an old, corded phone will work just fine.
12. There are a variety of small power sources that can be charged in advance and recharged using your car's lighter. They won't provide enough power to run a heater, but can power a coffee maker or lamp.
    
    Hopefully a winter disaster kit will never be necessary, but advance preparation can make a real difference if disaster strikes.

Tips & Warnings

• When the local weather report is warning of an ice storm, you might want to consider making hotel reservations in advance.
• Never attempt to heat your home with a gas oven. While it may feel more comfortable to add this heat, it's dangerous. A number of people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning by doing this during power outages.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia. Lethargy and lack of appetite are two clear signs that your body is shutting down.
• If using an emergency heater, always follow the instructions for indoor use. NEVER leave a heater untended where children or pets could turn it over.
• If power lines are on the ground in your yard, do NOT go into the yard until the power company has checked for live wires and says it is safe.