Winter emergency 3-day kit a must

By James Brabenec, Fort SillDecember 12, 2013

Snow Sill
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (Dec. 12, 2013) -- The recent snow and ice storm that blanketed much of the Southern Plains region should serve as a stark reminder to be prepared the next time Old Man Winter blows into town.

A handy website for everything winter readiness-related is www.ready.gov.

Preparation, whether for home or while driving, begins with an emergency kit and the website provides plenty of information for a well-stocked three-day kit. Some items to include are: at least a gallon of water per day for each person; nonperishable food; a flashlight with extra batteries; a first aid kit and a battery powered radio.

VEHICLE SAFETY

A car kit should include an ice scraper and a snow shovel, food, water, blankets or a sleeping bag, and additional clothing, such as a stocking cap and gloves to keep warm. Jumper cables and cat litter or sand can also be helpful to get a stuck vehicle moving.

Emergency flares are another option to include in a safety kit. Should you become stuck or stalled, use flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Stay inside your vehicle and open a window slightly to let in fresh air. Wrap yourself in blankets and run your vehicle heater for a few minutes every hour to keep warm.

Heed the signs of icing on bridge overpasses and increase following distance behind vehicles to allow a safe distance to stop.

HOME SAFE HOME

Even if a storm doesn't result in life threatening [JUMP]conditions, there are other issues to contend with, such as shoveling sidewalks, a driveway and around a car to get out and moving.

When clearing snow and ice, dress warmly and pay attention to feet, hands, nose and ears. Warm-up before shoveling, and take frequent breaks. Push the snow in front of you, if possible. If you must lift snow, pick it up in small amounts -- lift with your legs, not your back. Finally, use rock salt or de-icing compounds to remove ice from steps, walkways and sidewalks. Sand can also be used to improve traction.

Indoors, test smoke alarms monthly and change batteries once a year. People should also install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of their houses.

Some people will opt for portable heaters; remember to keep them at least three feet from anything than can burn. Also, keep children and pets away from these heaters, and never leave a child alone with a space heater. Kerosene heaters will produce CO so if used in a confined area, keep a door or window open to prevent a buildup of this dangerous exhaust product.

Check fireplaces or wood-burning stove flues annually and cleaned as needed. Do not turn the oven or range on to heat the home.

When external heat is unavailable, dressing in layers can help retain body heat at an optimal level.

Staying inside on blustery days is often the best choice to get through the worst of the storm. Once that initial blast passes, and temperatures moderate, many folks will venture outside if only to escape the confines of close quarters.

Remember to dress warm and wear boots with nonskid soles. Walk on sidewalks when possible, but when those are buried, and you must take to the street, wear a bright scarf, hat or reflective gear so drivers can see you. Walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic, close to the curb to avoid a drivers who suddenly lose control of their vehicles.

Also, dress babies or small children in bright or reflective clothing, and keep them in front and as close to the curb as possible. When crossing streets, make sure oncoming cars and trucks come to a complete stop before stepping off the curb.

Although most parking lots don't feature motorists driving at high speeds, there's still ample opportunities for serious injury. Always pay attention for distracted drivers or those frantically searching for the closest parking space to the door. Finally, keep a sharp eye out for black ice and take your time walking across snow or ice covered pavement.

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