Being prepared for Winter

Ok, you may have notices the weather turning. Before we know it its going to be winter and being prepared is the first thing to do on our list.

Last winter thousands of families were stuck in a harsh winter without electricity. This year is the year your going to make sure your family is prepared.

Winterize your home!

-Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
-Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls, don’t forget your outdoor faucets!
-Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks, you don’t want to have to fix this when winter is in full swing.

-Check your heating systems.
-Have your heating system serviced professionally to ensure it is clean, working properly and ventilated to the outside.
-Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
-Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly.
-Have a safe alternate heating source (fire places- wood, generator- gas or propane, space heaters(oil)- uses less energy) and alternate fuels available, store gas and propane.
-Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.

-Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries regularly. Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, and disorientation.

Here is a list of things you’ll need to be Prepared:

1. Energy Source

We need to think about how are we going to keep our families warm and how are we going to prepare meals- this means time to look for a Generator! Every year most people push it off till its to late, but having an alternative energy resource is very important in keeping our families safe and healthy

2. Food Storage

Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers. Don’t forget to stock up on pet food.

3.Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including:

-Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps
-extra batteries
-first-aid kit and extra medicine, you don’t want to be stuck sick in a winter storm without medicine and first aid supplies for your family
-baby items( diapers, Formula, baby food, baby medicine)
-cat litter or sand for icy walkways, and keep a snow shovel out and ready to use.
-glow sticks, kids enjoy using glow sticks for a night light if the power goes out

Leave your comment below what your family does to prepare for winter.