East Lyme Public Safety is wondering...
Are you prepared for a severe winter storm?
For many people, winter is a time of serenity, but in some areas winter brings extreme cold temperatures that are sometimes accompanied by severe storms. This can present challenges in maintaining personal and family safety inside the home as well as when facing the elements. Power failures, food and water shortages, and sudden illness or injury may also occur in winter weather. Getting prepared beforehand may be the best way to ensure a safe and warm winter season.
Plan ahead
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Part of this process includes putting together a basic survival kit that will maintain a family in the event of a winter weather emergency
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A survival kit can include anything that makes life easier and safer, but there are a few important items every kit needs. The first is a supply of nonperishable food that will feed a family for several days. Some items to include are canned goods, crackers, bread, baby food and formula (if necessary). The second item is at least five gallons of drinking water per person, and the third is an adequate supply of medications that are prescribed to family members.
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Among other items, survival kits may include a manual can opener, blankets, matches, candles, flashlights, battery-powered radios, extra batteries and a first aid kit. It's also important to include specialized items like diapers.
Home Preparations
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Winter weather can be hard on any structure, and houses are no exception. Preparing a home before inclement weather arrives goes a long way towards survival and comfort during the long winter months.
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To prevent furnace malfunction during cold temperatures, have the heating system maintained before winter. It's also a good idea to have the rest of the home checked out as well.
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Other ways to prepare a home include acquiring an alternate heating source such as a wood stove, winterizing the home with adequate insulation, learning how to turn off water mains and electricity sources, and stockpiling survival kits and other safety items.
Vehicle Preparations
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Winter safety applies to road travel every bit as much as it applies to battening down the hatches at home, especially for people who commute long distances. In extreme cold weather or areas prone to sudden storms, traveling unprepared can be dangerous and life-threatening. By taking a few steps ahead of time, travelers have a better chance of safely weathering a storm or temperature-related emergency in cold weather.Every road vehicle should have an emergency kit that at least includes blankets, extra clothing, nonperishable food like granola bars, water, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a shovel, tire chains and emergency flares. In the event of a breakdown or getting stuck in the snow, it's important to remain with the vehicle at all times and to conserve energy and fuel until help arrives.
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