At the first hint of winter weather, Southerners are notorious for rushing to the store to stock up on bread and milk. Will it be a five loaves, two-gallon storm? Or more of a single-loaf, half-gallon flurry?
While we can laugh at our snow/milk obsession, we are serious about ensuring your family is ready for winter weather. And with the season’s first winter storm on the horizon, now is the time to review those emergency plans and update those supply kits that may have been depleted during recent months.
Emergency officials urge you to follow these safety tips:
• Wear multiple layers of thin clothing, instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
• Always keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water in your home.
• Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep any electric generators outside and away from any open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If using alternate heating sources, keep an adequate supply of heating fuel at your home. Never burn charcoal indoors.
• Have fire extinguishers on hand and be sure your family knows how to use them.
• Monitor reports on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, as well as local radio and television stations to help stay informed of changing weather conditions.
• Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit and road map.
Don’t forget to include pets in emergency plans. To keep furry family members safe this winter, officials recommend that you:
• Make an emergency supplies kit for your pet and include medical records, first aid kit, enough canned/dry food and water for three to seven days and pet travel bag or carrier
• Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time
• Ensure your pet has a well-fitting collar
• Bring pets inside when temperatures drop below freezing
• Move livestock and other animals to a sheltered location with food and water
Snow scenes inspire beautiful holiday cards and decorations, but the real stuff can be dangerous. Be sure your family is ready for winter weather. Tune in to your local news stations, check the ReadyNC app for real-time shelter and emergency information and follow @NCEmergency on Twitter and Facebook.