Winter Storm Preparation and Survival

Cold Temperatures, Snow, Freezing Rain and High Winds are Dangerous

Nov 6, 2008

Power and Telephone Lines Sagging After Ice Storm, National Oceanic Atomospheric Administration NOAA

How to prepare a winter survival kit and what to do during a snow storm or freezing rain. Ensure your home and personal safety is not at risk.

Every autumn, residents in the temperate climates start to think about shovelling snow and driving on treacherous roads. This is also the time of year to put together a survival kit whether it’s for everyday winter weather or for a winter storm.

Preparing a Winter Survival Kit

Here is a list of items that would be essential when hit by a winter storm. Remember, it’s not unusual for power outages to occur.

Non-Perishable Food: Canned goods or boxed foods will keep for long periods of time and don’t need refrigeration. A few days supply is recommended because grocery stores may be closed or streets may not be passable. Refrigerated and frozen food can be put outside during a long power outage.
Can Opener: An electric opener won’t work during a power outage so a manual opener is necessary.
Shovel: This is needed for digging out after the storm and during a storm if there is need to get outside or to create access for incoming emergency services.
Rock Salt: It is good to have this on hand to melt the ice on shovelled walkways, driveways and porches.
Camp Stove or Barbeque: In case of a power outage, this is a alternate means for cooking food. Ensure there is sufficient backup fuel on hand. Cooking on charcoal or propane equipment must be done outside.
Matches and Candles: It is recommended to keep matches on hand because lighters may run out of fuel or malfunction.
Extra Blankets and Warm Clothing: If there is no heat in the house, these items will help everyone keep warm.
Flashlights and Battery Radio: Make sure there is an ample supply of batteries on hand. In addition, self-powered or solar flashlights and radios are available with battery backup. Some radios are able to charge cell phones.
Non-Battery Household Phone: These phones derive their power from the telephone line whereas many cordless phones won’t work because their bases are powered by household electricity. Some cordless phones have battery backup and may be used.
Bottled Water: This is essential for people whose water supply is from a well. The pump will not work during a power outage.
Extra Essential Items: The supply should last a few days. This would include prescription medicine, diapers, oxygen tanks, baby food, pet food, insulin, toiletries and lots of batteries.
Entertainment Items: If there is a power outage or the weather is too severe to go outdoors, having board games, deck of cards, books and craft projects available will keep everyone busy.

Preparing for a Snow Storm

In addition to having an emergency kit, there are other tasks that should be done:

Keep up to date on weather forecasts in order to know in advance of an approaching storm.
Shop for groceries and other supplies as soon as possible rather than waiting until the last minute because the stores will be crowded and stock may be gone.
Make sure cell phones are fully charged and ensure there is an adequate supply of batteries for the survival kit.
Gather up all winter clothing and make sure it’s clean and usable.
Plan to take public transportation during the storm. It is recommended to not drive a car during a snow storm unless it’s absolutely necessary. According to the American National Red Cross,” about 70% of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.”

With a winter survival kit and making preparations at the first notification of an approaching storm, a household can operate efficiently and safely.