As the cold weather begins to set in for the year, it is time to prepare for winter storms. The severity and frequency of winter storms will vary from place to place. It is important to consider the area you are living in when making plans. In certain parts of the country, they will shut everything down for an inch or two of snow. In other areas it takes a foot or two to shut down. You will need to plan according to how people react in your area, because they may not have the tools necessary to make the roads safe quickly. Here are five things you should consider when preparing for winter weather.
1) It is important to take the time now to stock up on supplies that you will need for winter weather. You should have foods on hand that are easy to prepare without electricity. You should also stock up on wood and oil for alternate heating sources.
2) If you live in area that experiences ice storms you should be prepared for power outages. It is very different coping with no electricity in the summer than it is in the winter. You will need to plan ways to keep your family warm, and find safe ways to heat food for your family. You may consider getting a generator for your family.
3) When the weather is truly bad, you should make a concentrated effort to stay home. Road crews often have a hard time keeping up with the storm. It is safer if you can just stay put. This is one reason it is so important to be prepared, so that you do not need to run to the grocery store for last minute items.
4) You should plan ways for your family to stay warm. This is especially important if you experience a power outage, and you do not have a fireplace or wood stove in your home. You will want to make sure you have warm blankets and clothing for every member of your family.
5) If you do experience a power outage it is important to practice good food safety. Your food can still spoil in your refrigerator and freezer. You can extend the life of the food, by not opening the door of your freezer or refrigerator. I recommend following the simple rule: “If in doubt, throw it out.”
Related Articles:
Five Ways to Prepare Your Emergency Kits for Cold Weather
Five Ways to Prepare for Winter Weather