Being Prepared for Blizzards and Severe Snow Storms

Make sure your snow removal equipment (such as a snow shovel or snow blower) is in good condition.

Make sure your car has a full tank of gas. This will help keep the fuel line from freezing and ensure you have enough gas to last through the storm and the clean up.

Keep some food and warm clothes or blankets in your car in case you are trapped in the snow.

Avoid unnecessary driving during and after a blizzard. It is dangerous, you could get trapped, and road crews can do a better job cleaning.

Make sure your house, windows, and doors are insulated well enough to keep cold weather out and warm air in.

Some blizzards can leave you trapped in your house due to high drifts and deep snow. During the winter, make sure you keep enough food and water (in case pipes freeze) to last several days. You could also loose electricity so have flashlights with fresh batteries and food that doesn't require cooking. Don't cook with a camp stove in the house as they can cause a build up of carbon monoxide gas that can be deadly. See below for a list of items to keep in your house and car.

The weight of snow from a blizzard can knock things down. Like roofs of buildings and houses, power lines and trees. Be aware of objects around your house and keep snow cleared as best as possible.

Have the following available:

  • In your house:
    • Flashlight and extra batteries
    • Extra food and water.  High energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food That doesn't need cooking or refrigeration is best.
    • Battery-powered Weather Radio and portable radio for receiving emergency information.  During a storm these could be your only source of information.
    • Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater and make sure you know how to use them to avoid a fire. Also make sure you ventilate properly.
    • Fire extinguisher and smoke detector
    • First-aid supplies
    • Heating fuel since fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm.
    • Extra medicine and baby items
  • In your car:
    • blankets and/or sleeping bags
    • flashlight and extra batteries
    • high-calorie, non-perishable food
    • first-aid kit
    • knife
    • water container
    • extra clothing to keep dry
    • a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
    • tool kit
    • shovel
    • tow rope
    • windshield scraper and brush
    • jumper cables
    • sack of sand (or cat litter)
    • compass and road maps
Sources:
Prepare.org - Winter Storms
United States Search and Rescue Task Force
Photo courtesy NOAA Photo Library (not copyrighted)
Additional information can be found at the following sites:
Blizzards and Winter Weather for kids
Preparing for Winter Storms
Page by: Kara