Storm Prep 101 Plans for Peace of Mind
Be Your Own First Responder
Winter and driving don’ t mix well— stranded halfway up a steep road in a storm isn’ t the time to discover you forgot the chains, and the drive home from town can get cold if you find yourself in a ditch. Fortunately, a properly stocked truck can turn a dangerous situation into a minor inconvenience.
Traction gear is your first line of defense. A small shovel, a bag of sand or cat litter and a set of tire chains can get you out of a slick driveway or a snowed-in roadside pull-off. Pair those with reflective triangles and a high-visibility vest to keep yourself safe if you’ re stopped in a squall.
Next, plan for warmth. Toss in a couple of heavy blankets, an extra pair of gloves, a warm hat and thick socks. Hand warmers take up almost no space but can make a world of difference when cold weather and unforeseen circumstances team up.
Food, water and power are non-negotiable. Stash a few energy bars and bottled water in your cab and rotate them each season. A car charger or portable power bank ensures you can call for help if you need to.
Finally, check your vehicle before the first snow hits. Top off the windshield washer fluid with a winter-rated formula, keep your gas tank at least half full and check tires for proper tread and pressure.
A Little Planning, Lots of Peace of Mind
The beauty of a winter kit is that you only have to assemble it once, and then just rotate supplies once or twice a year. Take an afternoon to inventory what you have, make a shopping list for what you’ re missing and test mechanical components to be sure they’ re ready to go.
Because when the snow starts falling and the world goes quiet, you want to be sipping cocoa by the fire, not digging the generator out from behind last summer’ s lawn chairs.
Quick Checklists for Winter Kits
For the House:
• Backup heat source and extra fuel( propane, wood or pellets)
• Flashlights, lanterns, extra batteries and power banks
• One gallon of water per person per day( plus some for pets)
• Shelf-stable foods and easy snacks
• First-aid kit and necessary medications
• Extra blankets, warm clothes and backup toiletries
• Deck of cards, books or low-tech games for entertainment
For the Barn:
• At least a week’ s worth of feed and bedding
• Heated buckets or waterers, plus backup water storage
• Animal first-aid kit and medications
• Portable lighting for nighttime checks
• Shovels, ice melt safe for animals and basic tools
• Insulation materials for stalls, coops or shelters
For the Vehicle:
• Bag of sand or cat litter, tire chains and small shovel
• Reflective triangles and a high-visibility vest
• Warm blankets, gloves, hats and extra socks
• Hand warmers for quick, portable heat
• Energy bars and bottled water( rotated seasonally)
• Power bank or car charger for your phone
• Ice scraper, tow strap and jumper cables
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