Winter Survival List for Your Home
Winter brings snow, ice and colder temperatures. Winter also brings storms that can disrupt travel and communication. Making preparations for a storm or a cold snap can ensure your family's continued health, warmth and safety. You should have ready access to food and water, as well as medicine and communications equipment such as a radio. Does this Spark an idea?
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Food and Water
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If a winter storm creates downed power lines or causes roads to ice over, prepare by filling your pantry with non-perishable foods that require no heating or refrigeration. Crackers, bread, cereal and dried fruit provide carbohydrates and vitamin C. If you still have heat, stock up on canned soups; during cold weather, eating warm food like soup maintains your body's core temperature.
It's also important to keep a readily-accessible supply of water, because your water pipes could freeze or burst if temperatures drop low enough. According to North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives, you should keep 5 gallons of water on hand for each person living in your household.
Heating and Warmth
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Even if you have central electric heating, don't rely on it during the winter as electric heating will be unavailable if the power goes out. Gas heating lacks this restriction, but your gas pipes can still freeze. Stock dry firewood if you have a wood-burning fireplace, and have warm clothing and blankets available for your family. Pay special attention to your hands and feet; blood takes the longest to reach them and provide warmth. Wear a toboggan or similar headgear to prevent localized hypothermia in your head.
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Other Emergency Supplies
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Stockpile rock salt to melt ice and a shovel to remove snow if you have to leave your home for any reason or to clear a pathway for emergency services. Keep a battery-powered radio and flashlight and tune the radio to your local station for news about the weather or other developments. Keep a list of radio alternate stations and their frequencies in case your local station is unavailable during winter weather.
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References
- Photo Credit House rooftop obove snow image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
