Winter Emergency Kit Checklist!

Bundle up! Weather forecasters are predicting (as best they can) a colder than normal Winter for the Metro area. Whether we experience another Snowmageddon or not, it’s always best to prepare for emergencies. FEMA recommends emergency planning supplies for home, work and vehicles. (More information can be found at: www.ready.gov.) Here’s a list to get you started:

Home —
• Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water and supplies for at least three days.
• Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly.
• Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Additionally, you may want to consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks.

Work —
• You need to be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours.
• Make sure you have food and water and other necessities like medicines in your kit.
• Also, be sure to have comfortable walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.
• Your kit should also be in one container and ready to “grab and go” in case you are evacuated from your workplace.

Vehicle —
In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should include:
• Jumper cables
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away from home for a prolonged time
• Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener
• Water for each person and pet in your car
• AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
• Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• A fully-charged cell phone and phone charger
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child

Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank full and if you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.