Preparing for Winter at Home

Develop a winter-specific Family Disaster Plan

• In addition to your usual Family Disaster Plan, add the following steps:
• Ensure all family members have emergency contact information.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
• Check with schools about winter storm closing policies and procedures.
• Discuss with family members what to do if a winter storm Watch or Warning is issued.
• Check your disaster supply kit.
• Install and/or check smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors.

Assemble a Winter Disaster Supplies Kit

• In addition to your basic supply kit, which should contain a first aid kit, essential medication, battery powered radio, flash light, extra batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food, essential winter items include:

• Extra warm clothing, including warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistent boots.
• Extra blankets.
• De-Icing products such as non-clumping kitty litter or other ice melting products.
• Candles and matches are not recommended due to their fire risk.

Service snow removal equipment

• Equipment should be easily accessible and in good working order. Basic supplies should include:
• Snow shovel
• De-Icing products

Prepare your House

• Make sure your house is properly insulated.
• Install storm windows or if necessary cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• To keep pipes from freezing:
• Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspaper and cover with plastic to keep out moisture.
• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
• Know how to shut off water valves.
• Consider storing sufficient heating fuel in case regular sources are cut off.
• Consider storing safe emergency eating equipment.