Seasonal and Storm Emergencies

Now is the time, if not already done, to prepare for winter and winter storms. Here is a basic to-do list and a link at the bottom to a useful informational flyer from ready.gov

BEFORE:

• Properly prepare and store summer yard equipment for winter
  • Drain sprinkler system, hoses, cover/protect faucets, etc
  • Get out now and prepare winter equipment
  • Snow shovels, boots, warm clothes
  • Prepare, do maintenance, and start snowblowers, etc
• If you have a portable generator, perform needed maintenance, prep it, start it, etc.  NEVER operate a generator indoors
• Furnace and duct maintenance
• Check, rotate food and water storage
• Check / maintain or acquire food prep abilities during a prolonged power outage – a camp stove works great, ventilate area while in use or use outdoors (use only short term for cooking, DO NOT use as heat source – carbon monoxide hazard)
• Know how to winterize home during prolonged power outages
  • How to shut off and drain water pipes
  • Antifreeze in plumbing P-traps
  • DO NOT attempt to heat home with any unvented flames/portable heaters
• If you have a well vented wood burning fireplace/stove, store several days of wood
• Refill maintenance medications 3 to 5 days early each fill until you have several weeks extra and then rotate them each refill.

DURING:

• Hunker down, do not venture out if possible
• Watch, check and maintain furnace
• Clear snow / work outdoors in shifts – do not overexert / overexpose yourself
• Clear / shovel snow 3 to 4 feet around fire hydrants, then do it again after the snowplow goes by — this could save 5 to 10 minutes for fire fighters and make a huge difference for saving your own home
• Check on / assist neighbors, elderly, etc
• Sit in front of your window and eat hot canned stew or chili or have fresh hot popcorn while sipping hot cocoa and enjoy the beautiful, fresh / falling snow BECAUSE YOU ARE PREPARED

Ready.gov flyer: BE PREPARED FOR A WINTER STORM (ready.gov)