Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Tips for Severe Winter Weather

The winter season is getting closer everyday and with it comes severe winter weather. Severe winter weather includes snow, subfreezing temperatures, strong winds, ice storms, and heavy rain storms. Now is the time to prepare yourself and your family for severe winter weather.

Step 1: Make a kit

A disaster preparedness kit should include food, water, batteries, flashlights, and a battery operated or hand crank weather radio to sustain your family for 72 hours after disaster. In preparation for severe winter weather, additional supplies should include rock salt to melt ice on walk ways, sand to improve traction, snow shovels and other snow removal equipment, and blankets to keep you warm if the heat or power is knocked out. Remember that you should have a kit for both your home and your car!

Step 2: Make a plan

Make sure that your family knows what to do when severe winter weather strikes. Make a communications plan and know how you will reunite with your family in an emergency. Plan a designated meeting place.

Step 3: Be informed

Watch the news and listen to the radio for sever winter weather advisories, alerts, and warnings. Make sure that you always have gas in your car and have a mechanic check tires, windshield wiper equipment, heater, defroster, battery and brakes before the winter season.

Preparedness can be the difference between life and death. Make sure that your family is prepared before the emergency happens! For more information, visit www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/winter.html

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