Sometimes the weather outside really can be frightful. While the falling snow can be pretty to watch, you may soon find yourself stuck at home for a few days. In worst case scenarios, you may be without power. If you live in an area that has brutal winters, you need to be prepared. Let's take a closer look.
Make Sure Your Heat Source Is Working
If you haven't had your heat source maintained for the season, you need to do so ASAP. Once you know it's in proper working order, you also need to make sure you have plenty of fuel to keep your family nice and warm.
Have a Backup Heat Source
If your heat source relies on power, you need to make sure you have a backup heat source that doesn't. It might be a kerosene or propane heater or your wood burning fireplace. Again, make sure the heat source is functioning properly and that you have enough fuel.
Stock Your Pantry
Should you be stuck at home, you want to make sure you have enough food to make it through until you can get out again. More importantly, you want to make sure you have foods that don't require heat should the power go out. If you want to invest in a small propane camp stove, this can be great for power outages, if you don't have a gas stove.
Be sure to shop well ahead of the storm, since many grocery stores start running out of the essentials the closer to the storm as more and more people try to stock up.
Prepare an Emergency Tote for Home and Your Car
Your home emergency tote should have things like flashlights, battery powered lanterns, batteries, a radio, and anything else you think your family may need during a power outage. Your car emergency tote should have a thermal blanket, self-powered flashlight, food, water, flares, emergency cell phone battery, and a jump starter. Sometimes you'll just have a problem starting your car due to the cold so the jump starter comes in handy. In the worst case scenario, you may get stranded and need the other supplies to stay warm and nourished.
Be Prepared to Stay Put
If there's a bad snowstorm coming, you need to make sure you have all your errands taken care of and are ready to stay home, if needed. You do not want to have to run out to get your prescriptions filled during a bad winter storm. Get everything done ahead of time.
You may think that a winter storm isn't going to stop you from going about your business. Make no mistakes. Winter can be brutal and a winter storm can be unpredictable. Be prepared so that you never have to worry about being without heat or food should things turn bad.
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