Winter Weather Preparedness

Prepare Your House for Winter

1. Trim Tree Limbs - Make sure any tree limbs or branches surrounding your home are at least three feet away from the house.
2. Insulate Windows/Attic - You can lower your home's energy costs by up to 20% and make your home more comfortable by reducing drafts.
3. Clear Gutters & Downspouts - After the leaves have fallen, clean out your gutters to avoid clogging, which can cause ice dams and expensive repairs.
4. Check On The Roof - A roof inspection can help you spot any potential issues and help to avoid a leaky roof after a heavy snowfall.
5. Inspect the Fireplace - Inspect your fireplace on the inside & outside of your house to make sure it is in good shape for the season and there isn't any damage.
6. Install & test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Checklist for at Home

• Flashlight & Batteries
• Candles
• Blankets & Warm Clothing
• Prescription Medications Filled
• Cell Phone/charger
• Non-perishable Food
• Bottled Water
• Bag of Salt & Shovel

Checklist for in Your Car

• First Aid Kit
• Tank full of gas
• Blankets & warm clothing
• Windshield scraper/brush
• Cell Phone/Charger
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight/batteries
• Tool Kit
• Salt/sand/kitty litter & shovel
• Non-perishable food/water

Winter Traveling Tips

• Pack an emergency supply kit
• Winterize your vehicle:
  • Install Winter/new wipers
  • Mount winter tires
  • Keep washer fluid full
  • Service your vehicle regularly
  • Maintain proper tire pressure
  • Keep the gas tank at least half full
  • Clean all debris from your vehicle
  • Keep your rear window defroster in working order
  • Pack a winter safety kit
• Stay mobile (charge your devices)
• Check road conditions
• Check the NWS forecast
• Share your travel plans with family or friends

Frostbite

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.

• Numbness
• White/grayish-yellow skin
• Firm or waxy skin

Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.

• Confusion
• Exhaustion
• Shivering
• Fumbling Hands
• Memory Loss
• Difficulty Speaking
• Sleepiness
• Stiff Muscles

Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first-chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

• Dress in layers/Cover exposed skin/Limit time outside
• Don't forget your pets - bring them indoors
• Shovel Smart - Stay hydrated/Take frequent breaks/Only move small amounts with each pass
  • Shoveling heavy, wet snow can put a big strain on the heart

For more information visit Ready.gov.