INFOGRAPHIC: Are you prepared for winter?
Do you and your family have a plan in place if there is an emergency this winter? Do you know what to do if the power goes out or if the roads are too treacherous to travel on? Print a copy of the checklist below and keep it handy so you and your family can be prepared for all types of emergency situations.Communication:
- Make sure your family has a basic communication plan so that everyone knows how to get in touch with each other during an extreme weather event.
- Keep batteries and a battery powered radio on hand.
- Check on elderly family members and neighbors who may need your assistance.
- Keep blankets, coats, and other items that keep you warm readily available.
- Using the stove as a heater is NOT a good idea. This can be dangerous.
- Make sure any electric heaters have automatic shut-offs and are always a safe distance from anything that could catch fire.
- Lanterns and battery-powered flashlights are good to have if the power goes out.
- It is not a good idea to use charcoal grills as the fumes could be harmful.
- Saving a week’s worth of food and safety products are a good idea.
- If you live a long way from town, keep extra supplies on hand.
- Batteries, flashlights, and rock salt are good items to include in your supply stock.
- Minimize your travel during any extreme weather events.
- Keeping some emergency items like a windshield scraper, booster cables, gloves, and a tool kit are just some of the things to keep in your car.
- Leave your faucets dripping to avoid any frozen pipes.
- If your pipes freeze, use a hairdryer to try and thaw them! But be careful when you’re doing this. If the pipes are hard to reach, call a licensed plumber.
