Winter Storm Preparedness: Supplies

Emergency supplies you will need for a winter or ice storm are similar to supplies you will need in any emergency – but there are some additional items. These include kitty litter or sand to keep sidewalks and steps clear of ice, a windshield scraper for the car, warm clothes and extra blankets.

Winterize your vehicle before a storm. Keep the gas tank full to prevent the fuel line from freezing. In a severe ice storm, lines may be down and power out for a week or more.

Here is a check list that will serve you well in emergencies:

• One-week supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of bottled water per person per day, coolers for food and ice storage
• Credit cards and cash (banks and ATMs may not have power)
• Battery-operated radio, NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries or hand crank radio, cell phones and chargers
• First-aid kit, seven-day supply of prescription medications, copies of prescriptions, special medical items, hearing aids and batteries, eyeglasses
• Manual can opener, knife, tools, booster cables, fire extinguisher, duct tape, tarp, rope, flashlight with extra batteries
• Supplies for babies, the elderly, family members with special health care needs, and food and supplies for pets

For additional winter weather preparedness information, click on:

• http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/
• www.redcross.org
• www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/winter.html