Winter Emergency Preparedness: A Guide to Keeping Safe and Secure

Winter is a season of snowflakes, warm clothes and blankets, and the joy of holiday festivities. Winter also brings many safety challenges as well. Challenges that demand a proactive approach to ensure you and your family are winter-ready. Prepare to conquer cold temperatures and freezing conditions with our Winter Emergency Preparedness guide.

Tips for a Warm Winter Home

Your home is your castle. Weatherproofing is the shield that ensures it remains warm and safe. Inspect doors and windows for gaps or cracks and seal them against drafty conditions. Pay attention to your heating system. A well-maintained furnace is your defense against the winter chill. An annual inspection and maintenance from a certified HVAC company ensures optimal operation and addresses the risk of CO2 poisoning. Test your CO2 detector and confirm battery backup operation.

Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing or drain of standing water. Clear the gutters to reduce the risk of roof damaging ice dams. Prepare for power outages which may last for days, leaving your household in the dark. Have an emergency kit ready that includes a flashlight and spare batteries.

The best emergency preparedness flashlight is the NightStar Shake Flashlight and Shake Light 40-B flashlight. Both rechargeable flashlights are manufactured by EcoCentricNow LLC and represent Best in Class shake flashlight technology.

Must-Have Items for Your Winter Car Emergency Kit

Your car becomes your lifeline on icy roads and snow-covered highways. Especially, when an accident or road closure conditions bring travel to a standstill. Ensure your vehicle has the tire tread needed to navigate slippery conditions. Maintain your engine antifreeze levels to prevent engine damage. Confirm battery charge condition and have jumper cables available. When traveling longer distances from home refill your gas tank when reaching the half empty mark. If stuck in the snow, make sure the vehicle exhaust pipe remains clear of snow or ice blockage.

In your vehicle have a winter survival kit that includes a heavy blanket, a flashlight, extra batteries, snacks, water, and a basic first aid kit. Equip the vehicle with snow removal tools to include a sturdy shovel and ice scraper. Also, make sure your cell phone is adequately charged. A phone charger capable of plugging into your vehicles 12-volt adapter is essential.

Winter Emergency Preparedness 101. Before a Storm Strikes

Take advantage of favorable weather and give your home a good inspection both inside and out. Also evaluate your pantry/cabinets and make sure you have adequate food supplies and water. Stay informed about the weather forecast and local advisories. Check-in on your neighbors, especially the elderly or those with special needs. Don’t forget your pets are family too. It’s crucial to bring your pets indoors to shield them from the biting chill.

By taking these steps for winter preparedness, you’re creating a shield against winter’s fiercest moments, turning your home into a space of warmth and comfort and your vehicle a safe haven. You’ll be well-prepared to navigate the challenges that winter weather can bring.

Supplies for a Winter Preparedness Emergency Kit

EcoCentricNow LLC (ECN) distributes an assortment of flashlights, lanterns, headlamps, and emergency equipment that keep people safe during storms and other natural disasters. Our shake, crank, and solar lighting equipment is an essential tool for every emergency kit.