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Winter storms don’t care about your plans. When forecasters start using words like “dangerous” and “possible power outages,” it’s time to get serious. The next 24 hours to 48 hours matter more than you think, and a little prep now beats a lot of regret later. Your future self will thank you.

Don’t worry; you’re not overreacting. This is about preparation, and not being caught off guard if the power goes out at 2 a.m. or roads become impossible to navigate. 

We’ve put together the essentials you actually need to handle whatever this storm throws at you. 

Let’s make sure you’re ready.

YOU

  • Stay home if you can
  • Shower/bathe before the storm arrives
  • Make sure you have several days’ worth of clean laundry
  • Make sure you’ve filled any necessary prescriptions
  • Keep copies of relevant personal documents

YOUR FOOD

  • Stock up on water (1 gallon per person, per day)
  • Have food that doesn’t need to be cooked to be eaten
  • If you’re really concerned about perishable food, put it outside in a cooler, as long as the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit
  • If perishable food remains in your refrigerator, don’t open it if you can help it.
  • Don’t cook with a grill or propane inside your home

YOUR DEVICES

  • Charge any devices that are important to you
  • Download (if digital) or keep close any media you think you may want to consume
  • Charge all power banks
  • Have a radio (battery powered) for storm updates

YOUR HOME

  • Fill your tub in case you need to scoop water to pour down your toilet to flush. And yes, keep a bucket nearby
  • Walk around your house to see whether there are any obvious things you need to account for. If there are any hoses attached to the house, disconnect them
  • Keep candles or a lighter handy
  • Have flashlights with extra batteries
  • Have hygiene or sanitation supplies for everyone (hand sanitizer, disposable wipes, soap, etc.)
  • Run water lightly (a trickle) to keep pipes from bursting
  • Don’t use generators inside or near windows 

YOUR VEHICLE

  • Fill your tank
  • Inflate your tires
  • Make sure your vehicle’s stocked with emergency items (flashlight, jumper cables, flares, etc.)
  • Keep your vehicle away from trees, especially in an ice storm when branches may fall

IF YOU LOSE POWER

  • Check with your power company for updates
  • Try to stay in one room. Close the door of that room and cover windows to conserve heat as much as possible
  • Don’t open your refrigerator
  • Wear loose-fitting, layered, warm clothes
  • Don’t use a gas oven to heat your home
  • Be mindful of signs of hypothermia or frostbite

IF YOU GET STRANDED

  • Let someone know where you are if you can
  • If you’re in your vehicle, stay there, turn on your hazard lights. You can run the engine about 10 minutes an hour for heat. If there is snow, keep the window cracked to avoid carbon monoxide buildup
  • If you’re not in your vehicle, find shelter and stay dry. Exercise to keep blood circulating, but don’t over-exert yourself
  • Conserve the charge on your phone

SOURCES

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