Many parts of the country have never had to worry about heavy snow, slippery ice, freezing rain and gale force winds during the winter months. That means you may not have the weather emergency essentials on hand that go with them. Now, thanks to a weird glitch in the global warming trend, more areas are getting to experience winter at its worst.
Just to be safe, make sure you have the items on each emergency list below before the first storm hits.
Health Risks During Cold Weather
The two biggest threats are frostbite and hypothermia. Both can happen very quickly so being aware of their warning signs is important.
Frostbite occurs when body tissue freezes due to exposure to cold temperatures. It is most often seen on the extremities, such as fingers, toes, nose, and ears. The skin will appear white or pale and lose feeling.
Hyperthermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees F and can happen whether indoors and outside. The elderly are particularly vulnerable because they produce less body heat. Early signs include violent shivering, mental confusion, and labored movements.
Emergency Essentials for Any Type of Storm
- Flashlights and batteries
- Matches or lighter and poured wax candles in containers or pillar candles with a globe, but not tapers, votives or tea light candles
- Medications and medical supplies for 7 days in case you must evacuate
- Drinking water for 3 days, at least 1 gallon per person
- Dried or canned food that can be eaten without cooking and manual can opener
- Infant food and supplies
- Pet food and supplies
- Fully charged cell phone and available chargers for home and auto
- Fully charged tablet or lap-top computer and available chargers
- Battery-powered radio in case you lose Internet access
- Cash in case credit and ATM machines lose power
- Full tank of gas in car
- Emergency Telephone List with numbers for doctors, pharmacist, family, neighbors and other emergency contacts in case cell phone dies
Emergency List for the Home
- Check or install smoke alarms
- Check or install fire extinguisher, preferably an ABC multipurpose type suitable for chemical and wood fires, and know how to use it
- Check or install carbon monoxide detectors
- Inspect and clean chimneys and fireplace flues
- Proper extension cords for electric space heaters and gas generators
- Gasoline for generators
Emergency Items for the Car
- Check and fill antifreeze and windshield wiper fluids
- Booster cables and know how to use them
- Ice scraper for the windshield
- Shovel to dig out car if stuck and broom to remove snow from vehicle
- Rock salt, sand or kitty litter for traction if wheels are spinning
- Reflective triangles or bright cloth (bandana) to tie on antennae to alert passing cars you're in need of help
- Strong rope in case you need to be pulled up an embankment
- Flashlight and batteries (can also download flashlight app on smart phone)
- Extra set of warm clothes if you get cold and wet trying to dig yourself out
- Blankets or sleeping bag if you're stuck on the road waiting for a tow
- Container of water or a container to hold snow so it can melt and be used for drinking
- Nonperishable food or snacks, such a trail mix and energy bars
Outdoor Clothing Essentials
- Layers of light-weight, loosely fitting clothes with an outer layer that is water resistant
- Hat that completely covers your ears
- Scarf that covers neck and can be pulled over mouth and nose, if needed, to protect lungs from cold air
- Mittens for best protection of fingers, but wear gloves under mittens if hands must be pulled out to use fingers
- Insulated, water-proof socks
- Boots with non-skid soles
Is there anything on your emergency list that I forgot?
