Preparing For Cold Weather

As the calendar turns to November and we inch closer to winter, its helpful to review ways to prepare for cold weather.

• Protect Pets, Livestock and Property: Bring pets inside and make sure farm animals have sufficient food and water and are not overly exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing by keeping the thermostat set to a reasonable temperature, or even by letting cold water drip from the faucet, especially when traveling.
• Fill up the gas tank: Make sure your vehicle has at least a half tank of gas during extreme cold so you can move to a warmer location in the event of a power outage and so you can keep the vehicle warm if you become stranded.
• Adjust your schedule to avoid being outside during the coldest time of the day which is typically during the early morning hours, which means finding a warm spot for the kids while waiting for the school bus.

Update your winter car survival kit in case you become stranded in the snow or extreme cold. Helpful items to include in your car survival kit include:

• Jumper cables: flares or reflective triangle are great extras
• Flashlights: Replace the batteries before the winter season starts and pack some extras
• First Aid Kit: Also check your purse of bag for essential medications
• Baby, special needs gear: If you have a baby or family member with special needs, pack diapers and any special formula or food
• Food: Stock non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, dry cereal and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars
• Water: Have at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days
• Basic toolkit: Pliers, wrench, screwdriver
• Pet supplies: Food and water
• Radio: Battery or hand cranked
• Cat litter or sand: For better tire traction
• Shovel: To dig out snow
• Ice scraper: Even if you usually park in a garage, have one in the car.
• Clothes: Make sure you dress for the weather in warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold
• Warmers: Pack extra for body, hands, feet
• Blankets or sleeping bags: If you get stranded in traffic on a lonely road, you'll be glad to have it.
• Charged Cell Phone: Keep a spare charger in your car as well

If venturing out into the cold be sure to dress in layers to avoid frost bite and hypothermia. Once your body temperature falls below 96 degrees, you have hypothermia. Around 1,300 people perish from hypothermia each year, with the majority being seniors, partly since some medications or problems with circulation reduce the body’s ability to resist hypothermia.

Be sure to check your local forecast on the WeatherBug app or website so you will know when cold weather is coming your way. 

Source: NWS 
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