5 Ways to Stay Prepared for Winter Storms

1. Keep warm clothes in your car If you plan to do any traveling when a snow storm is expected, make sure to have extra warm clothes in your car in the case of an emergency. If your car breaks down or becomes immovable, in a bad storm it may take responders a while to get to you. Warm clothes will help you stay warm in your car while you wait for help, or keep you warm in the event that you must get nearby help or seek shelter.
2. Stock up on firewood (if you have a fireplace) In the event of a power outage, it is important for homes and residences with fireplaces to have a supply of wood ready in order to stay warm. As we all know, not everyone can afford a generator! Residences with fireplaces are the next best option.
3. Purchase a jumper pack Jumper packs are predominantly used to jump-start cars, but can serve as very useful during a power outage. Most jumper packs have a port on them that can be used to charge phones (for emergencies) and run a few other electric devices such as space heaters and small lights.
4. Make sure to have flashlights Flashlights can be used in a few different situations. If kept in your car, can be used to signal help on a snowy night where visibility is low. If kept in your home, can be used during power outages to help navigate your home in the dark.
5. Keep track of the weather With easy access to radar and weather forecast via smart phone devices, it is now easier than ever to keep track of when a storm is approaching. If you do not feel comfortable traveling in the snow, it’s important to keep track of weather updates and predict to see when a storm is expected to arrive. It is also important to pay attention to severity of a storm forecast, as whiteout conditions can also be very dangerous for travelers.