Guest Columnist: Tips for winter disaster preparedness

In today’s world, the reasons for being prepared seem to be escalating. From threats of terrorist attacks to huge storms that could knock out the power supply, the only way you can make sure your family will survive is to take steps to ensure you are prepared. It’s not always going to be possible to count on the government or community resources in times of trouble, so taking some time to put together your own emergency provisions can be the determining factor in whether your family eats or even survives the emergency.

Each season brings its own unique challenges. The heat of summer can be stifling, but the cold of winter can be deadly. Winter weather can also bring challenges in finding food, moving from one location to another as well as many of the same risks that pose a threat at any other time of the year. The key to surviving is being prepared.

Winter storms – winter storms can range from sleet and snow to a driving blizzard that stops all traffic and leaves you homebound. These storms can range from moderate to severe and depending on the circumstances, can last for days to weeks. Within hours of a major snow storm, many major thoroughfares will be cleared; however, for anyone living on the outskirts of the city, in rural areas or even in neighborhoods off the main routes, it can sometimes take days before snow removal vehicles will have the roads cleared.

When a winter storm hits, sheltering in place is often the best way to stay safe. Of course, you’ll need to have provisions on hand to meet the needs of your family. With no way to reach an emergency shelter, local stores or even friends or family, it is imperative to have enough food and water to ensure your family’s safety.

Experts recommend a minimum of one gallon of water, per person, for each day of the emergency. You should also have enough nonperishable food for each person. As a bare minimum, include emergency food and water to last for 3 days. Include easy to prepare foods as well as snack foods, such as energy bars, nuts and dried fruit.

Surviving in a stranded vehicle – Every year, reports of motorists who become stranded due to road closures, car problems or weather demonstrate the fact that a routine trip can quickly turn into a survival emergency. Prepare for winter car emergencies by making sure your vehicle is stocked with the items you’ll need to survive. The following items should be a part of your car survival kit:

• Snow shovel
• Sand, road salt or kitty litter
• Energy bars and snack food (plan enough food for 2 to 3 days)
• Water bottles (1 gallon of water for each person for 2 or 3 days)
• Candles (2 or 3)
• Matches (in a waterproof container)/lighter
• First aid kit with knife
• Cell phone, cell phone power cord and adapter
• Whistle to signal for help
• Fluorescent flag to place on the outside of your vehicle
• Battery powered radio with replacement batteries
• Emergency flares
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Warm clothing
• Blankets or sleeping bags

Power outage – a very serious threat during winter weather is a power outage that leaves you and your family without heat. When the temperature drops, you need to be able to ensure your family will be able to stay warm. A small generator can help provide basic needs, such as enough power to run a small heater. However, even without a generator, there are things you can do to survive a winter power outage.

If you have a fireplace, making sure you have firewood for several days can easily solve your heating problem. For those who don’t have a fireplace, there are still ways you can protect your family from the cold. Everyone should have firewood stored in a dry place, even if they don’t have a fireplace. Plan on enough wood to last for 3 or more days.

If you don’t have an indoor fireplace, you’re going to have to take your fire outdoors. A fire pit that is protected from wind and set away from flammable materials can be an excellent heating option. Place stones around the fire and let them get hot. These hot stones can be transferred indoors and placed on a heatproof surface by your bed or sitting area. Of course, every member of your family should have warm clothes, including heavy socks, hat and mittens. A sleeping bag or blankets will also help ward off the cold.

Lee Flynn is a freelance writer. Through small local workshops and articles, Lee trains and teaches others on home preparation, healthy living, food storage techniques, and self reliance. You may contact him on twitter at @foodstorage101