How to Prepare for Extreme Cold Weather

Extreme cold weather can be hazardous to your family and pets. Temperatures may plummet quickly, and it is important to be prepared ahead of time. Extreme cold can cause frostbite and hypothermia or trigger respiratory problems. It is safest to remain indoors until the conditions improve. Some proactive steps will ensure that your home remains safe and warm, keeping you and your family comfortable in harsh winter weather.

Things You'll Need

• Warm clothing
• Blankets
• Rock salt
• Sand
• Insulation
• Plastic or newspaper
• Extra food, water and medication
• Candles and matches
• Batteries

Instructions

1. Stock your home with essential items. These include food, water and medication. Keep enough to sustain yourself and your family and pets for a few days in case you are not able to leave your home. The best choices are ready-to-eat products such as cereal, crackers, peanut butter or other foods that do not require preparation. Buy a manual can opener so that you can eat canned food, such as tuna or soup.

2. Buy rock salt and sand to melt ice on your porch, driveway and sidewalks. Purchase a study snow shovel and keep it accessible.

3. Winterize your home to keep as much heat from escaping as possible. Cover your windows with plastic or newspaper, caulk around the windowsills and in any cracks in the walls or floors. Turn off any external water faucets by closing off the valve closest to the inside of your home. These may be in the basement or crawlspace. Drain the water to prevent it from freezing and bursting your pipes.

4. Get extra firewood or other heating fuel and batteries. Stock up on blankets and warm clothing in case you loose electricity. Keep candles and matches nearby.

5. Check the level of antifreeze in your car and refill if necessary. Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times. Place a window scraper, flashlight and extra blankets in the car. Keep some dry foods and bottled water in the car in case you become stuck. Have matches and candles available for extra heat and keep them in a metal container such as a soup can or coffee tin.

6. Buy extra hats, gloves or mittens, scarves and coats. Stay indoors as much as possible, but dress appropriately if you must go out.

Tips & Warnings

• Mittens are warmer than gloves and are a better option.

• Check on any elderly members of the family. Bring them to your house if you have sufficient warning of a winter storm.

• Stay home until roads have been cleared. It is much safer than getting stuck in your car.

References

• Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold