What Precautions Should Be Taken in a Blizzard?

Stock Up

• Stock your home with food, water and other supplies. Blizzards can leave roads impassable for days, especially if you live in the mountains or in a remote area. Make sure that you have at least a three-day supply of drinking water, non-perishable food, batteries and medications. If you have pets, stock up on their food and medicine as well. Replace the food and water each fall to ensure that nothing has spoiled.

Prepare Your Home

• Check your home for needed repairs in the weather stripping around doors and windows. The weather stripping keeps out snow and cold. In addition, make sure that your home has adequate insulation and that the storm windows are in good repair. Have a heating and cooling expert check your heater each fall to make sure that it is in optimum condition. If you have a fireplace, stock up on wood. Alternately, if your heating runs on propane or fuel oil, have your levels topped off each fall before the first snow.

Stay Inside

• During a blizzard, stay inside whenever possible. Do not go outside for more than a few seconds and stay in view of the house. People have gotten lost within yards of their house in poor visibility conditions. Keep pets inside as well, except for short bathroom breaks. Stay off the roads except for essential travel. Staying off the roads not only keeps you safe, but it reduces the number of cars on the road that the emergency crews will potentially have to rescue.

Prepare Your Car

• If you must drive in a blizzard, make sure that your car is prepared. Keep your fuel tank full so you can run the heater even if you become stranded. Keep blankets and emergency lights in your trunk, as well as water and non-perishable food that can be eaten without cooking. If you do become stranded, stay in the vehicle. Leave the vehicle only to remove the snow from around the tailpipe. If snow clogs the tailpipe, carbon dioxide can back up into the car, which can injure or kill you and the other occupants.