BeReady for Ice storms and Winter Weather

BeReady for Ice storms and Winter Weather

  • Stay indoors: It is generally recommended to stay indoors during an ice storm unless absolutely necessary.
  • Avoid travel: If you must travel, exercise extreme caution and drive only when necessary. Make sure your vehicle is winter ready and reliable, Carry ice scrapers, tire chains and have the proper tires. Have your BeReady kit for the Car. Watchout for black ice and know how to react to hydroplaning. 
  • Watch for objects that could potentially blow into the roadway. Tree limbs may break and/or other debris may come loose during strong winds. Listen to the radio for changes in weather conditions that could create more dangerous driving.
  • If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, pull over into a safe parking area (the shoulder of a busy roadway is not safe) and stop, making sure you are away from trees, power lines or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle.
  • Have an emergency kit ready with supplies like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit.
  • If your primary heating source relies on electricity, have an alternative heating source available and ensure it is properly ventilated.
  •  Check on elderly or disabled neighbors and family members who may be at risk. 

BeReady to Go with a kit for the car

Build your BeReady kit for the Car

  • drawing of a hatchback car with water, first aid kit and snackTry to have at least half a tank of gas in your car at all times.
  • Some cash
  • Phone chargers
  • Keep snacks in your car. Rotate food frequently to keep it wholesome.
  • Extra glasses and meds
  • A roll of papers towels
  • A yellow safety vest
  • Dust masks
  • A blanket and/or space blanket
  • Keep water in your car and rotate it frequently, try for a couple of gallons.
  • Pet items, treats, food, meds.
  • A whistle, in case you can’t be seen
  • Jumper cables as well as tire repair kits and an inflater and battery back up if possible.
  • Emergency signals, flares, a yellow vest and signs to add to your kit so that people can see you in the dark or to signal for help. This kit has most of the things already in it, or get what you want separately
  • A flashlight and batteries or charger
  • Basic first aid kit If you are a health care provider you may have more advanced tools.
  • A fire extinguisher
  • Extra shoes and clothes for everyone
  • Rope and a knife or multitool.
  • Bungee cords, zip ties or Velcro to secure loose objects in car. (in case you have to stop fast or get in an accident)
  • See my post on this topic  If your car goes into the water 

BeReady for wildfire

Wild fire Season is here. Here is what you can do to BeReady .
Take a look at the defensible space around your home.
Expect public safety power shut offs (PSPS) during extreme fire danger.
Obtain Battery back up for medical and communication devices
Have a couple days (minimum) food and water in the house
Don’t forget your neighbors!
BeReady to evacuate
Consider the needs of large and small farm animals
Keep an eye on the weather Install smoke detectors, Free help may be available or call your local fire department.
Get fire extinguishers and fire smothering blankets
Use generators and heaters properly and with proper ventilation, install Carbon monoxide detectors
Create an evacuation plan in the event of wild fire.
Know alternate routes out of your neighborhood.
Consider wearing dust masks or respirators during and after wild fire
Never leave campfires unattended, properly dispose of cigarettes and matches, and avoid igniting materials in dry conditions
Wildfires spread rapidly in dry conditions, especially when fueled by wind.
Keep vehicles out of dry grass
Avoid target shooting during extreme fire danger

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