Wintry Weather Wisdom

December, 2016 | Tip of the Month

• December is FEMA Winter Weather Preparedness Month. Whether it’s an easy winter or a hard one, there always seems to be at least one big storm–or a long stretch of frigid temperatures. With a bit of advance preparation, you can reduce the risk of damage or loss from winter storms and/or a power outage at your studio and home. Don’t worry! Here’s how. To begin preparing, you should have:
  • A home emergency supplies kit. Basic supplies include:
    • Water: At least three days’ supply at one gallon per person per day
    • Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
    • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio
    • Flashlight and extra batteries
    • First aid kit
    • Battery backup or an alternative (solar, etc.) charger for your cell phone
  • Some emergency cash on hand. Stores may not be able to accept anything but cash and nearby ATMs may not be functioning.
  • A plan for safely heating your home and studio without electricity from utilities. Even if you don’t heat with electricity, your heating system probably depends on it to function.
  • A vehicle gas tank that’s at least half full. The nearest working gas station may be an hour away.
  • A car emergency supply kit that includes many of the home emergency items plus a shovel, extra winter clothes, blanket, tow strap, booster cables, and flares.
  • A power inverter that gives you the ability to power a few home electrical appliances using your car battery.

  Here are some resources for information on preparing for a power outage and winter storms:

  • Power Outage preparedness tips and resources at CERF+’s Studio Protector 
  • The American Red Cross’ Power Outage resources
  • Ready.gov’s Blackout preparedness resources
  • Ready.gov’s Winter Storm and Extreme Cold preparedness resources
  • Ready.gov’s Emergency Supply Kit information and tips
  • Iowa State University’s Power Outages and Your Business fact sheet on their prep4agthreats.org website
  • CERF+ Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Tip of the Month
  • There are smartphone apps that will sense your location (if location services are activated) and give you the NOAA weather alerts, as long as your cell phone is on and the app is active: CERF+ Emergency Alert Apps Tip of the Month

  If you have already gotten snow tires and/or chains for your car, put up storm windows, and have had your heating system checked, you know what a difference that can make. A little effort up front can save a lot of discomfort or more serious problems in the winter.

  If you live where there isn’t any snow, perhaps it’s a good time to count the rainbows–and be aware of ice hazards and other storms that these tips can apply to!