Winter is Coming!
What can you do to ensure you and your family is prepared and ready in case of a disaster this winter season? The best way to be prepared is to make a 72 hour survival kit and keep it readily available and updated. Snow accumulation can lead to flooding of homes or collapsing of structures where families are displaced without warning. Kits are not specific to just homes and a survival kits should be kept in your vehicle at all times.
Common items to include in your vehicle safety kits are:
- Small Folding Shovel
- Flashlight
- First Aid Kit
- Tire Chains/Tow Strap
- Basic Tool Kit
- Bag of Road Salt or Cat Litter
- Antifreeze
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Warning Flares
- Wooden Matches
- Drinking Water/High-Energy Non-Perishable Foods
- Blanket and Extra Warm Clothing
Another strategy to stay safe this winter is to gather winter supplies ahead of time. Store shelves can become scarce in the middle of winter and it may take weeks to restock. Stay prepared and purchase snow removal equipment, heat source fuels, ice melt, bottled water, and non-perishable foods before the first snow falls. While gathering supplies have your vehicle serviced regularly.
Keep houses, sheds, and structures’ rooftops cleared of snow as quickly as possible. The less snow that accumulates the lighter and easier it is to remove. Keeping your roof cleared off will ensure chimneys and vents are not blocked and restricting the outflow of toxic Carbon Monoxide. Other winter weather preparedness tips for homes and vehicles can be found at ready.gov or by contacting the Payette County Emergency Management Office.
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