February 1, 2022 – Blizzard and ice storms can be exciting, however, if you’re not prepared, they can become dangerous.
Winter storms and extreme cold heighten the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, heart attacks, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Other issues can include long-term power outages, severe damage to homes and cars, as well as making it difficult or impossible to reach medical services.
When planning and preparing for a snowstorm, or extreme cold you should have a 72-hour emergency kit on-hand. That is the starting point. Taking time to build emergency supplies and prepare for severe weather takes away the worry of being without food, water, or warmth when it is needed most.
Here are some foods to make sure you have added to your emergency kits:
- Rice
- Dried beans, lentils, or peas
- Trail mix bars, protein bars, granola bars, or fruit bars
- Canned vegetables, soups, and fruit
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
- Powdered drink mixes
- Dried pasta
- Instant soup mixes
- Pickled vegetables
- Trail mix
- Beef jerky
- Instant oatmeal
- Evaporated or condensed milk
- Whole-grain crackers
- Shelf-stable milk, tea, and hot cocoa
- Packaged foods, including macaroni and cheese and instant potatoes
- Canned meats, including tuna, sardines, oysters, chicken, turkey, pork, sausage, and Spam
- Formula or baby food if you have very young children
- Pet food if you have pets
Making sure your food pantry is stocked is a good first step, but you also need other items for personal care and necessities:
- A NOAA weather radio
- Diapers
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Feminine care products
- Paper towels, paper plates, and disposable silverware
- Dish soap
- An emergency cell phone charger
- Candles
- Bleach
- A first aid kit
Other preparations you could take include:
- A generator or other portable power source
- Check carbon monoxide detectors
- Winterize your home – trim branches close to your home, check for drafts, insulate exposed water pipes, and insulate windows
