Snow Storm Preparation Tips

It is inevitable here in the North East that at least once a winter we will get pummeled with a good storm and the associated power outages. Here are some storm preparation tips courtesy of the CDC. 

​Make sure you have at least one of the following in case there is a power failure:

• Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries.
• Battery-powered radio, with extra batteries, for listening to local emergency instructions
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio receiver for listening to National Weather Service broadcasts. 

​Turning on the stove for heat is not safe; have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:

• Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats
• Fireplace that is up to code with plenty of dry firewood or a gas log fireplace
• Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters

• Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns.
• Never use charcoal grills or portable gas camp stoves indoors. The fumes are deadly.
• Avoid using candles as these can lead to house fires.
• If you do use candles, never leave lit candles alone.

​Have a week’s worth of food and safety supplies. If you live far from other people, have more supplies on hand. 

If your pipes freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. Thaw the pipes slowly with warm air from an electric hair dryer.

Minimize travel, but if travel is necessary, keep the following in your vehicle:

• Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Water
• Snack food
• Extra hats, coats, and mittens
• Blankets
• Chains or rope
• Tire chains

Check out their entire Winter Preparedness Checklist here: 
www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/beforestorm/supplylists.html