Before Severe Weather Arrives

  • Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily, even in the dark.
  • Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each.
  • Avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, do so during daylight. Don't travel alone. Stay on main roads, and keep others informed of your schedule.
  • Get a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio to monitor severe weather.
  • Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, TV, etc.) and the warning terms for each kind of disaster in your community; e.g.:
    • "Winter storm watch" - Be alert, a storm is likely
    • "Winter storm warning" - Take action, the storm is in or entering the area
    • "Blizzard warning" - Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill-seek refuge immediately!
    • "Winter weather advisory" - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists
  • Know how to contact other household members through a common out-of-state contact in the event you have to evacuate and become separated.
  • Know how to turn off gas, electric power and water before evacuating.
  • Know in advance what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
  • Keep plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, sandbags and hand tools on hand and accessible.
  • Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Install storm shutters, doors and windows; clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks; and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
  • If you think you might want to volunteer in case of a disaster, now is the time to let voluntary organizations or the emergency services office know.