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What Do You Need to Have in Your Home for an Ice Storm?

When winter weather hits, it is important that people are prepared with a variety of items in their homes. In the event of a severe ice storm, a person may not be able to leave her home for hours or even days. During the winter months, be sure to keep abreast of the latest weather forecasts and predictions and have several survival items on hand.
  1. Electronics

    • During the winter months, homeowners should be prepared with a variety of battery-operated electronic items. First and foremost, homeowners should have a working flashlight, in case the power goes out. In addition, it is important to have battery-operated radios and miniature televisions on hand. This will help homeowners obtain the latest news and information about the storm in the event that the power goes out. In addition to these electronics, homeowners should have extra batteries on hand as well.

    Food

    • When the winter season begins, homeowners should stock up on a supply of nonperishable foods that do not require cooking. Consider getting canned items that can be eaten raw, such as vegetables and other items. These items can be stocked up on at the beginning of the season. Each week, homeowners should replenish their supply of food essentials such as bread, peanut butter and crackers, so that they have fresh food on hand in case of an ice storm.

    Clothing

    • All homeowners should have warm winter clothing in the closet in case of an ice storm. It is ideal to have enough clothing so that everyone can dress in layers. Long-sleeve cotton T-shirts, sweatshirts, feather coats, snow pants, boots and wool socks are essential winter clothing items. It is important that everyone is able to layer in case the heat in the home goes out. This will help everyone keep safe, dry and warm. Several blankets should be on-hand in the home as well. Ensure that some of the items are bright-colored, especially jackets. This helps emergency workers in identifying people in the event of a disaster.

    Water

    • Water is one of the most important items to have on hand during a winter ice storm. Be sure to have bottles of water stocked up so that everyone has drinking water available to them. In addition, homeowners should be prepared by storing extra water ahead of time. It is recommended that homeowners have 10- or 20-gallon storage containers filled with water before an ice storm hits. This ensures that everyone has drinking and bathing water, if necessary.