During the winter months, it is important to prepare for an emergency such as power outage, snowstorm, or being stuck in your car due to snow or ice. Packing an emergency car kit can help keep you and your family safe. You can purchase a kit or make your own with these items: portable shovel, handwarmers, blanket, ice scraper, battery booster cables, flashlight, portable cellphone charger, and a basic first aid kit. Keep the items together in a cardboard box or duffel bag in your trunk.
In case of an emergency, such as a power outage or snowstorm, it is smart to be prepared with extra supplies . These supplies can include extra water bottles, nonperishable foods (such as canned goods), extra blankets, portable cellphone chargers, flashlights, batteries, and candles.
It is also important to monitor carbon monoxide levels in your home during the winter. Furnaces and heating equipment used during power outages emit carbon monoxide, and high levels of the gas can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends having a carbon monoxide detector installed on every level of your home to monitor levels of carbon monoxide and suggests checking or replacing the batteries every six months.
It is also smart to make sure you have enough prescription medication for at least a week and, if you know a storm or natural disaster is coming, be sure to fully charge and restock any medical equipment and supplies. Be sure to keep a list of emergency numbers on hand and identify your local emergency shelter locations.
References
Be Prepared with a Winter Car Emergency Kit. (n.d.). Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-driving/winter-car-emergency-kit-review-winter-driving-safety-a9935578560/
Davis, M. R. (2022, September 27). How Older Adults Should Prepare for Hurricanes, Wildfires and Other Emergencies. AARP. https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2020/emergency-preparedness.html
Winter Preparedness at Home. (n.d.). National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington Forecast Office. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/lwx/winter_home-pr
(2021, November 30). What to Have at Home for Winter Emergencies. A Healthier Michigan. https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2021/11/30/what-to-have-at-home-for-winter-emergencies/