Severe winter weather, including snow, ice and freezing temperatures, cause potentially hazardous conditions, whether you are on the road or at home. Preparing your home for severe winter weather makes you more comfortable and able to handle the loss of power or being stranded at home. Start your winter survival preparation in autumn to make sure it is complete before the temperatures drop.
Food and Water
Stockpile non-perishable food items in case you become stranded in your home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends having at least a week of food on hand during the winter months. Keep more food on hand if you live in a remote area. Choose food items that don't need to be cooked, such as canned goods and trail mix. If you have a baby, keep extra formula on hand during the winter months.
Bottled water, or tap water stored in a container is useful if your water pipes freeze. A supply of 5 gallons per person is recommended by North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives. Keeping your taps open slightly so the water drips is one method to prevent frozen pipes. A warm inside temperature also helps, but pipes along the exterior walls still run the risk of freezing if the temperatures drop significantly.
Medical Necessities
The threat of being stranded in your home is scarier for individuals with medical conditions. Keep prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and other necessary medical supplies well-stocked during the winter months. A fully-stocked first aid kit gives you the basic tools necessary for minor injuries while stranded at home.
Safety Supplies
Check that you have safety supplies that may help during a winter storm. Flashlights or battery-operated lanterns provide light in the event that you lose power. Make sure you have extra batteries. Snow shovels or snow removal equipment is important. Rock salt allows you to melt ice on sidewalks and driveways. Sand or kitty litter is an option for providing traction in those areas.
Communication Tools
Staying informed on the weather situation allows you to stay safe and gain a sense of when you may get out of your home. A battery-operated radio works well for listening to weather on local radio stations. The CDC also recommends a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, weather radio. A cell phone with a charger allows you to call for help.
Heating
If you lose power, you'll also lose your furnace or other electrical heating system. Having a backup plan for heat helps you survive if you are stranded at home. If your home has a wood-burning fireplace, it can provide heat until your power is restored. Keep plenty of wood on hand during the winter months. Because if the high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, never use devices that use flammable fuels indoors for heat or power generation unless they are vented properly.
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