Severe cold and snow can be dangerous—even deadly.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

Recommended items for disaster kits for your car and/or home include:

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• Candle in a metal can
• Canned food including soup/broth, canned fruit and non-electric can opener
• Cards, games and puzzles
• Extra blankets
• Extra newspapers for insulation
• First aid kit and essential medications
• Jumper cables
• Matches
• Nuts and high energy snacks
• Plastic bags for sanitation
• Several bottles of water (in your home, stock at least 1 gallon per person per day to last 3 days)
• Small sack of sand (or kitty litter) for traction
• Small shovel, pocket knife, and other small tools, such as pliers, wrench and screwdriver
• Warm clothing for everyone in the household including boots, mittens/gloves and hats

Know Weather Terms

• Watch: Storm is possible in your area.
• Storm warning: Storm is headed your way.
• Blizzard warning: Strong winds, blinding snow and dangerous wind chills are headed your way.  Seek shelter immediately.

Get Your Car Ready

• Change to winter grade oil (10w/30).
• Keep gas tank at least half full.
• Make sure heater and defroster work.
• Stock your car with:
1. Disaster supplies kit (see below for recommended items)
2. First aid kit in each car
3. Red flag or other brightly colored cloth (to tie to antenna if you get stuck in a blizzard)
4. Windshield scraper and small broom for snow/ice removal

Get Your Home Ready

• Assemble a disaster supplies kit.
• Clean and check furnace.
• Clean chimney and keep an ample supply of wood.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• Know how to operate portable heaters and keep at least 3' from curtains, furniture and other flammable items.
• Learn how to turn off your gas, water and electric.
• Stock up on melting salt and/or sand.

During a Storm

• Stay inside and stay warm.
• Dress warmly in loose-fitting layers.
• Eat and drink regularly; avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• If you must travel, take public transportation.  About 70 percent of deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.  If public transportation isn't an option, keep your cell phone charged and with you and let someone know your intended route and approximate arrival time.
• If you get stuck in your car:
1. Do not leave vehicle.
2. Crack passenger window for ventilation.
3. Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna.
4. Run engine and heater (with overhead light on) 10 minutes once an hour; keep exhaust pipe free of blockage.
5. While sitting, keep arms and legs moving.
6. Maintain hydration but don't eat snow—it will lower your body temperature. If you have nothing to drink, melt snow before consuming.

After a Storm

• Be careful of snow-covered and icy sidewalks or streets.
• Check on neighbors, friends and relatives who may need help.
• Take it easy shoveling—stretch before and after.

Source: Natural Disaster Education Coalition: American Red Cross, FEMA, IAEM, IBHS, NFPA, NWS, USDA/CSREES and USGS

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