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Resolve to be Ready in 2018 - Start with These Tips

2018 has been off to an extremely chilly start for much of the country, so it’s a good time to make sure your household is well prepared for the winter season! Below are some things you can do to be ready for the cold and snow.

Join us in getting prepared!

WINTER PREPAREDNESS Check out SBP’s Home Preparedness resources for more tips & tools. Visit Ready.gov for more information on Winter Weather Safety.

Prep your home

  • Winterize: Protect your home against cold temps and save energy with insulation and weatherstripping. Winterization tips
  • Heat: Ensure your heating system is working properly and that you have a sufficient supply of fuel. Have extra blankets and sleeping bags or plenty of fuel for your fireplace or wood burning stove in case of a power outage.
  • Safety: Make sure you have working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from any flammable items.
  • Pipes: Protect your pipes from freezing and know how to shut off water in case of burst pipes. Pipe protection
  • Roof: If you live in a snowy area, have your roof checked by a professional to make sure it can handle heavy snow loads.
  • Garage: Know how to manually open your garage door in the event of a power outage.
  • Generators: Carry out required maintenance for any generators you have. Know how to operate them safely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generator safety
  • Emergency kit: Make sure to replenish your home emergency kit with enough supplies for all of the people and pets in your household. What to have
  • Snow & ice: Have shovels and ice melt for clearing walkways. Be careful about working outside in cold temps, especially with heavy chores like shoveling snow. Outdoor safety
2018 01  Heat Safety
2018 01  Protect Your Pipes

Prep your car

  • Winterize: Check antifreeze, brakes, heater, defroster, wipers and tires; consider winter tires in harsher climates. Keep your gas tank full.
  • Emergency kit: Make sure your car emergency kit is stocked and ready for winter. Add items to help you stay warm if you’re stranded (extra clothing, socks, hat, gloves, boots, hand/feet warmers, blankets or sleeping bag). What to have
  • Snow & ice: Keep an ice scraper, snow brush, tow strap, collapsible shovel, ice melt and sand or cat litter for traction in your car.

Plan

  • Family: Have up-to-date numbers for all family members and important contacts. Plan for how you'll get in touch and what you’ll do in an emergency. Check in with older relatives and neighbors who may need assistance during cold snaps or power outages. Make a plan
  • Animals: Bring pets indoors during harsh weather and make sure livestock have access to appropriate shelter, food, and ice-free water.
  • Local government: Know what your local government’s plans and procedures are for severe weather, such as emergency snow routes you can’t park on if heavy snow is expected and where warming centers or shelters may be set up in the event of power outages and extreme cold.
  • Work & school: Know what the severe weather and emergency plans are for your employer and other organizations you’re involved with (school, volunteer group, house of worship, etc.)