Prepare for winter storms!

Another winter storm is on the horizon; what steps should we take to be prepared?

1. Understand the terminology:
   • Outlook: winter storm conditions are possible in the next week
   • Advisory: winter conditions are likely to cause inconvenience and could possibly be hazardous
   • Watch: winter storm conditions are likely in the next 36-48 hours; you should be aware of changing conditions and make preparations
   • Warning: severe weather conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.

2. Check your supplies to be sure you have snow melt, rock salt, shovels. Go to the grocery store to be sure you have enough food in the house. Remember that if the power goes out, you will want to have some food that does not require cooking.
3. Fill your flashlights with fresh batteries, find your candles (and matches) and extra blankets. If you have these things in a place you can easily locate you will be grateful if the power goes off after dark.
4. Minimize travel. Eliminate unnecessary trips. Remember to pack an emergency kit in your car in the event your car stalls or gets stuck in the snow.  You may want to fill your gas tank before the storm hits.
5. Prepare your pets for the storm. Be ready to bring outdoors pets inside if the weather gets really bad. Have extra pet food on hand.
6. Locate your weather radio if you have not used it since tornado season. Have fresh batteries for it, in case the power goes out for a prolonged period.
7. Have a family emergency plan in case you are not together when the storm strikes.

Be prepared and watch the weather this week.  Stay safe through the storms.

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

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