Prepare for Winter Storms

When snow is predicted, Delawareans rush to the store for bread, milk and eggs. French toast and scrambled eggs are evidently the meals of choice for snowbound local residents.

While comfort food is nice when winter winds howl, there are more important things to have in your home if severe weather strikes. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension safety specialist Ron Jester recommends preparing an emergency supply kit well in advance of threatening weather.

“Loss of power is one of the greatest concerns during severe weather,” says Jester. “You'll need an emergency heating source – such as a fireplace or kerosene heater – and you'll need to know how to use it safely.”

Household fires, contact burns or carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when alternative heating sources are improperly used or maintained. Jester says to read the operating manual for the appliance, adhere to proper operating and safety procedures, check your smoke or CO detector and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Make a plan in advance for anyone in the family with special medical needs that require electricity, such as the use of ventilators or nebulizors. See if battery-operated units are available, obtain a generator to run these devices and make evacuation plans for this family member, advises Jester.

Ensure that everyone in the family who uses prescription medicine has an ample supply of their medicines on hand before the storm strikes. Also, stock up on first-aid supplies and over-the-counter products such as pain relievers and antacids.

If the power stays out for an extended period of time, those jugs of milk and cartons of eggs you rushed out to buy may spoil quickly, and food in a fully loaded refrigerator can go bad after six hours. Instead, stock up on canned and no-cook foods and have a non-electric can opener handy. Good food choices include canned tuna, canned fruits, mixed nuts, trail mix, granola bars, peanut butter sandwiches and canned protein drinks and shakes.

At least a three-day supply of water based on one gallon of water per person per day, should be stockpiled, says Jester. The household's emergency supply kit also should include a battery-operated weather radio, a flashlight and extra batteries.

Now is the time to locate extra blankets or sleeping bags and warm clothing, including mittens and hats. Should the power go out, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing, the safety expert says.

In addition to getting your own household ready, think about what you should do to help elderly or disabled neighbors prepare for inclement weather, and check on them periodically throughout the storm, suggests Jester.

For more information about preparing your home for winter storms, contact your county Extension office. In New Castle County call 302-831-COOP; in Kent , 302-730-4000; and in Sussex ,
302-856-7303.