Winter Preparedness Checklist

[Guest guest]

by Townley Ewer

Editor, OrganizedHome.Com

When wintry weather blows, will your family be prepared? Take time now to

review your family's emergency preparedness:

out and about:

Will your home welcome winter visitors ... safely? Be prepared for snow,

ice or rain on walks and driveways with:

* Snow shovel

* De-icing compound

* Waterproof floor mats

the inside story:

Household emergency supplies should include enough food, water and supplies

to last four days without power or help. Check your home emergency kit

against this basic checklist:

* Food that doesn't require heating or refrigeration, such as canned

meats, soups and stews, cereal, and energy bars

* Manual can opener

* Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils

* 1 gallon of water per person per day (allow enough for four days)

* Flashlights and batteries

* Battery-powered radio

* Battery-powered clock

* Cellular phone

* First-aid kit (HYPERLINK

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able first-aid kit checklist)

* Four-day supply of prescription medicines

* Blanket and cold-weather clothing for each family member

* Pet food and additional water for household pets

on the road:

Winter transportation can mean ice, snow, and hazardous roads. Road

conditions can change in an instant. Before traveling, give cars a winter

preparedness exam:

* Check antifreeze

* Check and replace older batteries

* Remember to keep the gas tank near full to avoid freezing water in

the fuel line

* Check tires and spare tire for proper inflation

Make sure automobiles contain the following emergency supplies:

* Bag of sand, road salt or non-clumping cat litter. The bag's extra

weight means better traction, and the contents can be spread under slipping

tires.

* Ice scraper

* Jumper cables

* Small shovel (to dig snow away from wheels, or scatter sand on

roadway)

* Tire chains (every driver should practice putting them on)

* Flares or reflective triangle to warn other motorists if you break

down

* Blanket

* Flashlight and batteries

* Gallon jug of drinking water

* First aid kit (HYPERLINK

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//www.organizedhome.com/printable/showphoto.php/photo/13/cat/508)

When traveling by car, include emergency food and clothing for each

traveler. Pack supplies in a backpack in case you need to abandon your car.

An emergency backpack should include:

* Jacket, hat, gloves and sturdy, snow-proof boots for each traveler

* Nonperishable food

* Cellular phone

* Money

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