Here in Colorado, we're getting ready for winter. In fact, our weather here is so unpredictable this time of year that it can be eighty degrees one day, and snowing the next. We've already had our first measurable snow of the year, with a little more expected, and it's only the middle of October. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow during the winter months, you know how important it is to prepare for big snowstorms ahead of time. You may find yourself stuck at home, or worse in your car for long periods of time during a snow storm. The heavy snow can cause trees or large branches to fall and cut power lines. Here’s what you should do to make sure you’re not caught unaware by a blizzard.
Winterize Your Home And Car - At the beginning of the cold season make sure both your home and your car are ready for winter. Put on winter tires, check all the fluids, fill up the antifreeze, and make sure you have de-icing windshield washing fluid. Stock your car with a shovel, sand, snow tires, signal flares, a warm blanket and a bit of water and food. Make sure your home is well insulated, your heating is in good working order, and you have an ample supply of heating fuel. Now is a good time to get your annual furnace check-up, and a regular car inspection the next time you get your oil changed. And since we're talking about indoor heating sources, make sure that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have been tested and are in good working order.
Emergency Food and Water - Keeping some emergency water and food rations along with a battery operated weather radio and plenty of ways to stay warm is also a good idea. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, check for proper operation and stock up on firewood as well.
Pay Attention To Weather Forecasts - The good thing about winter storms these days is that meteorologists have gotten pretty good at predicting them well in advance. This gives you plenty of time to stock up on some supplies, get home safely and hunker down to wait out the storm. Watch weather forecasts regularly throughout the colder months and set up storm alerts on your phone to give you plenty of time to prepare.
Minimize Travel - If you know a storm is coming, avoid traveling, particularly in the open and sparsely populated roads and highways. Waiting out a blizzard in your car is not a lot of fun and you may be stuck and trapped for hours if not days. Cancel travel plans and do what you can to get home before conditions get too bad. If you have a long commute to the office, consider asking your employer about telework opportunities.
Keep A Full Gas Tank - If you do have to travel during a storm, make sure your gas tank is full and your car is well stocked with winter emergency supplies. Check on road conditions before you head out and pull over if things get too bad. You should also have a charged phone with you to call for help if you get stuck in a storm drift.
Stock Up On Food, Water And Heating Fuel - When there’s a lot of snow or an ice storm in the forecast, stock up on food, drinking water, and heating fuel. Have a plan for heating and preparing food if the power goes out. Having plenty of flashlights and candles is also a good idea. Wait out the storm and don’t be tempted to head out to clear off the roof. Should you fall and get hurt, emergency services may have no way of reaching you.
Additional Supplies - Some additional and inexpensive supplies that you might want to consider keeping in your home, vehicles, and even in your office: Space blankets are extremely light and don't take up space. Carry several of these - in your car, backpack, and in your home. Extra flashlights are priceless, especially when the power suddenly goes out. Have a few space heaters available. One thing I learned, especially when my furnace aged, is that it will go out on the coldest day of the year. Having space heaters to get by until the furnace repair company could make it out has proven to be a real lifesaver. I can't say enough about having extra first-aid kits. And finally, extra batteries - have extras of every kind of battery needed for flashlights and all other vital appliances and tools that wou will use in an emergency.
Preparedness during the winter months doesn't have to be complicated but is extremely important as we approach the coming cold months. A good, heavy snowstorm can make us all temporary shut-ins, and prevent access to grocery stores, gas stations, and medical services. Even here in the Front Range of Colorado, we have had storms which made our city roads impassable, and we have gone several days without normal access to these things we take for granted.
Keep you and your loved ones safe - have a plan, and do proper winter preparedness that may save your life!
Preparedness during the winter months doesn't have to be complicated but is extremely important as we approach the coming cold months. A good, heavy snowstorm can make us all temporary shut-ins, and prevent access to grocery stores, gas stations, and medical services. Even here in the Front Range of Colorado, we have had storms which made our city roads impassable, and we have gone several days without normal access to these things we take for granted.
Keep you and your loved ones safe - have a plan, and do proper winter preparedness that may save your life!
