WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION

Suggested List of Winter Supplies, Emergency Car Kit

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued information to help people prepare for the New England Winter Season.  MEMA has issued a “Suggested Winter Weather Supply List” for the home, along with items that should be included in a “Winter Emergency Car Kit”.

“In spite of the unseasonably warm and dry start to our winter, everyone should take some simple steps to prepare for what will undoubtedly come,” said MEMA Director Stephen J. McGrail.  “Those who did some Y2K Preparation, as MEMA had suggested, should be in fine shape already.  Everyone should have some extra food, bottled water, flashlights and batteries around the house, along with a portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio in case of power outages or other emergencies caused by a winter storm.”

Other items that should be included on your Winter Weather Supply List are a freshly-stocked first-aid kit, essential prescription medicines, non-perishable foods (those that require no refrigeration such as canned goods, dried fruits and nuts), a non-electric can opener, water (one gallon per person, per day), baby items (extra diapers, formula), extra blankets, sleeping bags and a fire extinguisher.

“Every household should develop a Family Emergency Communication Plan in case family members are separated from one another during a storm.  That can be a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school,” said McGrail.

Suggested items for a Winter Emergency Car Kit include a flashlight with extra batteries, a basic first-aid kit, necessary medications, a pocket knife, booster cables, a blanket or a sleeping bag, extra clothes (including rain gear, mittens and socks), non-perishable foods, a non-electric can opener, sand for generating vehicle traction, tire chains or traction mats, a basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver), a tow rope, a container of water and a brightly colored cloth to serve as a flag, if necessary.

Ensure that your tires have adequate tread and keep your gas tank at least half-full.  Plan long trips carefully, listening to the latest weather reports and road conditions.  Travel during the day, and if possible, try to take someone along with you.

Winter can be a difficult season that can be made easier with some basic preparedness planning.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating state, local and federal resources to protect the public during hazards, trains emergency personnel, provides information to families and communities, and assists in recovery from disaster losses. 

SUGGESTED WINTER WEATHER SUPPLY LIST

Keep these items around the house in case of emergency during a winter storm:

·       Flashlight and extra batteries

·       Portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries

·       First-aid kit

·       Essential prescription medicines

·       Non-perishable Food

·       Non-electric can opener

·       Water (one gallon per person/per day)

·       Baby items

·       Extra blankets and sleeping bags

·       Fire extinguisher

Develop a Family Emergency Communication Plan in case family members are separated from one another during a winter storm (a real [possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), and have a plan for getting back together.  Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the ‘family contact’.  After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance.  Make sure everyone knows the name, address and telephone number of the contact person. 

SUGGESTED WINTER EMERGENCY CAR KIT

Keep the following items in your car in case of emergency during a Winter Storm:

·       Flashlight with extra batteries

·       Basic first-aid kit

·       Necessary medications

·       Pocket knife

·       Blankets or sleeping bags

·       Extra clothes (include rain gear, mittens, socks)

·       High-calorie, non-perishable foods (dried fruits, nuts, canned food)

·       Non-electric can opener

·       Container of water

·       Shovel

·       Sand for generating traction

·       Tire chains or traction mats

·       Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)

·       Tow rope

·       Brightly colored cloth to utilize as a flag

Install good winter tires with adequate tread.  Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.  Check your windshield wiper fluid and keep your gas tank at least half-full.  Plan long trips carefully, listening to the radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions.  Travel during daylight hours, and if possible, take another person with you.

Winter Weather Terms Used by the National Weather Service

·       Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant damage to plants or crops.

·       Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and traveling conditions may be hazardous.

·       Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter weather conditions are possible within the next day or two.  Prepare now!

·       Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather has begun or is about to begin in your area.

·       Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds (35MPH or more) will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility) for several hours.