We are now getting into the winter months and it's not too late to make preparations to protect yourself and your family and be ready to assist neighbors, especially the elderly.
It depends on where you live, but even unusually cold temperatures, snow and ice can reach as far south as Atlanta, Ga. While winter hasn't officially arrived, Washington State is already experiencing weather that is causing some counties to issue warnings.
December and January are the two months annually where excessive cold, winter storms and ice storms occur, especially in the northern states. Even though you don't know the amounts, effects or timing of weather systems, you should always be prepared to ensure your families safety and comfort.
When preparing for cold weather, we're not just talking about bringing your plants in or covering your outside faucets to protect against freezing. It's not just the weather itself that is cause for concern. People get hurt and even die in traffic collisions, suffer heart attacks while shoveling snow or suffer setbacks due to lengthy exposure to cold temperatures.
Here are some tips you should keep in mind when preparing for winter weather.
Prepare family and home
- Create, update or review your family emergency plan
- Stock emergency food and water, especially water from a portable water purifier. Berkey systems are excellent water purifiers that guarantee clean, fresh water at all times
- Have a battery or hand-cranked radio and flashlights
- Stock extra supplies including blankets, clothes, towels and batteries
- Consider winterizing your home
- Obtain one or two fire extinguishers
While Traveling
- Drive safely!
- Winterize your car and make sure it’s in proper working order
- Make sure the tread on your tires are appropriate
- Keep a shovel, windshield scraper and blankets inside the vehicle
- Maintain half a tank of gas or more at all times
- Always communicate with family when and where you are going
Make sure you think everything through and even rehearse possible scenarios, because in an emergency situation you want to be prepared so you don't go into panic mode. Panicking could cause you to make a poor decision.
Being prepared for any situation and emergency is a wise decision for you and your family. Don't delay, make plans today.
