While everyone in Collegeville and Oaks seems to head to Wegman’s the day before a winter storm to get French toast supplies — eggs, milk and bread — there’s more to being prepared for winter storms than just having adequate breakfast supplies. With the threat of storms this weekend, now’s the time for folks in Audubon and the surrounding areas to prepare for the coming storms.
Emergency Supplies
Having an emergency supply kit in your home and car is a good idea no matter what season, but you might need adjust it for winter. Your car emergency kit should always include a flashlight, good batteries, and copies of your insurance information. Road flares and a small first aid kit are also good ideas year-round.
But in the winter, you should also add a spare blanket (or two), spare gloves, bottled water and some small food items, like pop tarts or granola bars. Pennsylvania winter storms have been known to leave people stranded on the turnpike for hours, so having something to help keep you warm, something to drink and something to eat can make an unpleasant experience a bit safer.
Your home winter emergency kit should a little bit of cash in case the power is down for extended periods of time, enough nonperishable food to last your family and pets several days, extra medication (at least a week’s worth), and extra blankets to keep you warm in the event of a long-term power outage. Don’t forget the manual can opener to open that food.
Fill Your Propane Tank
If you’re like me and rely on propane for heat, it’s always a good idea to check your tank levels before a winter storm. If you have electric heat, plan for a backup option in case the power goes out. Fireplaces are good backup heat systems, but make sure you have plenty of dry wood stocked up for the storm.
Fill Your Vehicles Up
No one wnats to have to leave the house in a storm, but emergencies do happen. If the power is out, local gas stations may not be able to pump gas, so make sure your vehicles are full before the storm hits.
Break out the Snow Shovel and Ice Melt
Having a snow blower, snow shovel or ice melt in your storage unit or garage is only helpful if you can get to it after a major storm. Consider bringing these things into the house or very near to the door before the storm hits.
Finally, in the event of a major winter storm, please call your storage facility before attempting to enter it. Getting a large storage facility cleaned up after a winter storm takes hours, so please call ahead to make sure that the ice and snow have been removed before you enter the property. After all, the best way to prepare for a winter storm is to use your head and think about staying safe!