Winter Weather Preparedness
Here are a few tips to be prepared for big winter weather storms this year.
Before the winter storms hit, check the following preparedness items for your home…
- food supply
- your ‘everyday’ needs that you have (medical? other daily needs?)
- LED flashlights
, and/or LED lantern
(LED’s last longer)
- portable AM/FM radio
- NOAA weather radio
- plenty of extra batteries (Lithium batteries
last longer)
- another source of heat
, in case you loose power
- portable cook stove
, and a percolator
(for you coffee drinkers)
- warm sleeping bags
that are rated for cold weather
If you are going to hit the roads this winter, make sure you let family and friends know where, and which route you are going to take, and be sure to have a plan (and supplies) just in case you get stranded.
If you have travel planned, at a minimum, it’s a good idea to have some or all of the following items in your car.
- blankets (for each person), and/or sleeping bags
- food supply (calorie-dense, at least a day’s worth, food bars are good…), and water
- flashlight and extra batteries
- road flares
- snow shovel
- road grit-salt-sand to help get out of a slippery situation
- tire chains (if applicable to your geographical location)
- ice scraper for windows
- extra windshield wiper fluid
- always have outdoor winter wear (either stowed or on your person)
- portable NOAA weather radio
to stay up to date on any warnings or advisories
- portable CB radio, some come with NOAA channels and quick access to emergency ch.9
- always keep plenty of gasoline in your tank
- you can also purchase a pre-assembled emergency kit
I have a home in Whistler , BC. I know all about preparing for winter. The two vehicles that I take up to the mountains (I leave the BMW and the Porsche convertibles in the city) are equipped with Nokian Haukepellita tires from Finland, the best winter tire you can buy. You don’t need chains if you have these tires. My home at Whistler is environmentally friendly with tight air seals, hot water radiant heat that is produced by the large heating plant for the whole neighbourhood with electric backup should it ever be necessary and a natural gas fireplace that heats the whole downstairs area (total 1800 sq. feet in whole townhouse). I don’t worry about winter as this place excels at that time.