How to Brace for a Blizzard

Blizzards can leave people stranded for days.

Proper blizzard preparation saves lives each year. When areas experience heavy snowfall and gusty winds, homes sometimes lose power and heat, making inside temperatures severely drop. Blizzards often produce drifts too large to drive through, so people must wait until snow plows dig them out of their homes. This leads to stranded individuals in cold homes. If you properly brace for a blizzard, however, your family will stay comfortable and safe.

Things You'll Need

• Non-perishable food
• Bottled water
• Shovel
• Rock salt
• Sand
• Winter coat
• Hat
• Mittens
• Snow boots

Instructions

1. Stock your pantry with food and water in case the blizzard strands you in your home for a few days. Non-perishable foods like canned or dehydrated meals work well. Also, keep at least a three-day supply of water in your home in case you lose power or the pipes freeze.

2. Prepare your alternate energy source. If you have a fireplace, stock up on dry wood in case you lose power. Other alternatives include kerosene heaters and fuel-powered generators. The generators can power electric heaters.

3. Gather supplies to take care of the snow problem once it falls. Make sure you have a usable snow shovel. Fill your snow blower with gas before the storm. Also, check your supply of rock salt and sand. If your bags look low, buy more. The rock salt melts ice on sidewalks and driveways, and the sand provides extra traction.

4. Realize you might have to venture outside even if you have plenty of food and water. Emergencies happen or pets need to urinate outdoors. Either way, make sure you have plenty of warm, loose-fitting clothing. Set aside a winter coat, hat, mittens and snow boots as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have batteries and medicine for at least three days.

• If you use a kerosene heater to heat your home during a blizzard, make sure to keep the area well ventilated because they give off toxic fumes.

References

• Fox Chicago News: Tips: How to Prepare for a Major Snow Storm
• FEMA: Are You Ready?