Sand
to improve traction
Snow
Shovels and other snow removal equipment.
Prepare your home and
Family
Prepare
for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient
heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For
example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your
fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Winterize
your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by
insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping
doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering
windows with plastic.
Winterize
your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may
provide shelter for your family, neighbors,
livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof
leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house
or other structure during a storm.
Insulate
pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and
allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid
freezing.
Keep
fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone
in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an
additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating
sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
Learn
how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe
bursts).
Know
ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled
friends, neighbors or employees.
Hire
a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof
to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of
snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Prepare your car
Check or have a mechanic check the following
items on your car:
Antifreeze
levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid
freezing.
Battery
and ignition system - should be in top condition
and battery terminals should be clean.
Brakes
- check for wear and fluid levels.
Exhaust
system - check for leaks and crimped pipes and
repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is
deadly and usually gives no warning.
Fuel
and air filters - replace and keep water out of the
system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of
gas.
Heater
and defroster - ensure they work properly.
Lights
and flashing hazard lights - check for
serviceability.
Oil
- check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at
low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Thermostat
- ensure it works properly.
Windshield
wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain
proper washer fluid level.
Install
good winter tires- Make sure the tires have
adequate tread. all-weather radials are usually adequate for
most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require
that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with
chains or snow tires with studs.
Maintain
at least a half tank of gas
during the winter season.
Place a winter emergency kit in
each car that includes:
Shovel
Windshield
scraper and small broom
Flashlight
Battery
powered radio
Extra
batteries
Water
Snack
Food
Matches
Extra
hats, socks and mittens
First
aid kit with pocket knife
Necessary
medications
Blanket(s)
Tow
chain or rope
Road
Salt and Sand
Booster
Cables
Emergency
Flares
Fluorescent
distress flag
Dress for the Weather
Wear
Several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm
clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. the outer
garment should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear
mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
Wear
a hat.
Cover
your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
