Stock up on essential supplies
Before winter starts, prep early and stock up on these essential items.
Food and water
Stock up on non-perishable food items that can last for an extended period, such as:
- Canned goods (i.e., fruits, vegetables and meat)
- Cereal
- Dried fruits
- Dry pasta
- Nuts
- Pasta sauces
- Peanut butter
- Rice
- Spices
- Sugar, salt and pepper
- Trail Mixes
- Whole wheat crackers
You should also have enough drinking water for the whole family for at least three days and more clean water for cooking, laundry and personal hygiene.
Medications and first aid
Prepare an adequate supply of prescription medications and a well-stocked first aid kit. Include useful items like antiseptics, bandages of assorted sizes and over-the-counter medications for common ailments.
Heating fuel and alternative heat sources
If you rely on a heating system other than natural gas and heating oil, stock up on enough fuel to last through the winter. Consider investing in alternative heat sources like a generator or space heaters for emergencies.
Winterize your home
Ensuring your home is properly winterized will keep you warm, save energy and prevent potential hazards. Winterizing preparation includes regularly cleaning heating and air condition ducts.
Inspect all windows and doors for gaps or cracks that could let cold air in and warm air out. Apply weatherstripping or caulking as needed to seal these areas. Adding insulation to your home can also help conserve energy and keep the cold out.
Clear debris from the gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and water backup once winter is in full force. This will help protect the roof and prevent potential leaks or damage.
Schedule a professional inspection and servicing of your heating system regularly to clean or replace filters, check for leaks and make sure everything is functioning properly. Regular maintenance of your heating equipment will ensure that the system operates efficiently throughout the winter.
Prepare emergency coms and lighting alternatives
A battery-powered radio will help you stay updated on weather emergency alerts and other emergency information.
Another option is to get a hand-crank radio so you can monitor winter storm warnings when the power is out and your battery supplies are low. Get a hand-crank radio that qualifies as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio to get all the winter storm warning alerts from the National Weather Service. (Related: Survival essentials: Items you’ll need to survive a winter power outage.)
Flashlights are portable, but they will often need replacement batteries, especially if you have to use them for several hours at a time.
Prepare multiple flashlights for all family members, along with extra batteries. Place the flashlights and batteries around the house for easy access during emergencies.
Consider getting some solar flashlights and lanterns that you can charge by strategically placing them on window sills that face the daylight sun.
Prepare your vehicles for emergencies
Winter weather can wreak havoc on roads, making driving conditions dangerous. Make sure to regularly check on your vehicle in case you need to bug out.
Inspect your tires for tread wear and keep them properly inflated. Consider switching to winter tires for added traction on slippery roads if the area is prone to snow and ice storms.
If your area is prone to severe weather, include tire chains in your car emergency kit. Learn how to install them properly, and make sure they are the right size for your tires. Check that any attachments needed are there and in good shape.
Check and top off fluid levels, including the antifreeze level in your radiator, windshield washer fluid and oil. Keep your gas tank at least above half full.
Before disaster strikes, prepare an emergency kit for your car, including items such as blankets, an ice scraper, jumper cables, a snow shovel, non-perishable snacks and at least one set of dry clothes.
Prepare before SHTF and stock up on essentials so you have what you need in case of a long-term power outage or winter storm.
Watch the video below to learn about the modified 10 Cs of survival for your urban survival starter kit.
This video is from The Urban Prepper channel on Brighteon.com.
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