Winter Readiness: Planning, Supplies, and Safety

1. Communication Plan

Ensure that everyone knows how to contact each other and where to meet if they become separated.

• Primary Contact (Out-of-State): Designate one person outside your immediate area (e.g., a relative in another state) as the primary family contact. If local phone lines are busy, it’s often easier to make a long-distance call or text. Everyone calls or texts this person to check in.
  • Contact Name/Number: [Insert Name and Phone Number]
• Emergency Meeting Place (Outside Home): Choose a familiar location near your home (e.g., a neighbor’s house, local library, or specific landmark) where the family will meet if the home is inaccessible (e.g., due to a fire or gas leak).
  • Meeting Place: [Insert Location]
• Shelter-in-Place Meeting Spot (Inside Home): Designate a specific room in the house that is the warmest and safest to gather in during a severe cold/power outage (e.g., a room with a fireplace or a basement if a storm is severe).
  • Designated Room: [Insert Room]

2. Emergency Supplies Kit (Winterized)

Maintain a kit with a minimum 72-hour supply of necessities.

• Heat and Warmth:
  • Blankets/Sleeping Bags: One for each person, preferably Mylar or wool.
  • Extra Clothing: Wool socks, hats, gloves, and thermal layers.
  • Heating: Matches/lighter, candles, or an approved/safe indoor-use alternative heat source (like a small, properly vented propane heater).
• Food and Water:
  • Water: One gallon per person per day.
  • Non-Perishable Food: Ready-to-eat foods that don't require cooking or refrigeration (canned goods, energy bars, dried fruit). Include a manual can opener.
• Light and Power:
  • Flashlights and Extra Batteries.
  • A Battery-Powered Radio or a Hand-Crank Radio to monitor weather and emergency broadcasts.
  • Portable Chargers (Power Banks) for cell phones.
• First Aid and Health:
  • First Aid Kit.
  • Prescription Medications (at least a 7-day supply) and required medical supplies (e.g., glasses, hearing aid batteries).
  • Baby and Pet Supplies as needed.

3. Home & Vehicle Safety Procedures

• Power Outage Procedure:
  • Turn off/unplug all major appliances (stove, oven, HVAC) to prevent damage from a power surge when electricity is restored.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
  • Never use an outdoor grill, gas oven, or unvented space heater indoors for heat, as this poses a severe risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Water Pipe Protection: Locate the main water shut-off valve (and show all adults/teens). Know how to shut it off in case of a burst pipe.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety: Ensure CO detectors are installed on every level of the home and are functioning (test monthly).
• Vehicle Preparedness: If you must travel, keep a winter emergency kit in your car:
  • Jumper cables, flares/reflectors.
  • Shovel, tire chains, or traction aids (sand/cat litter).
  • Warm blankets, extra food/water, and a first aid kit.
  • Keep the gas tank at least half full.

4. Evacuation and Shelter Procedures

• Local Shelter Identification: Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest official emergency shelters or warming centers.
  • Local Shelter Location(s): [Insert Location(s) or refer to local government resource]
• Evacuation Routes: Plan at least two routes out of your neighborhood in case one is blocked.

5. Practice and Review

• Date Last Reviewed: [Insert Date]
• Review Schedule: Review this plan twice a year (before winter and before summer/other threats).
• Practice Drill: Conduct a “power outage” drill where the family practices getting to the designated safe room, lighting candles/flashlights, and using the radio.