Before the winter season begins you need to make sure you can heat your home sufficiently.

• Check and replace if needed you home insulation, caulking and weather stripping.
• If you have a backup generator, make sure it is fueled in and good working order.
• If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, have it serviced.
• Make sure you have an adequate amount of firewood on hand.
• Check extension cords to make sure they are in good working order.
• Test fire alarms and have a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Make sure you have adequate heating oil.
• Purchase salt for sidewalks and driveway
• Have shovels handy.

During the Storm: 

• Keep the temperature in the home consistent during the day and night.
• To conserve fuel, keep your home slightly cooler than usual.
• If you leave home for an extended period of time, set the temperature at a minimum of 55 degrees.
• Seal off rooms that are not being used. Turn off heating vents in those areas and place towels under the doors to prevent drafts.
• Make sure all exterior and garage doors are closed.
• If using Kerosine heaters, refuel them outside of the house and when using indoors keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable objects.
• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.
• Make sure all portable and electric heaters have an automatic shut off.
• Avoid using candles as a source of heat.

• Let your faucets drip to make sure the pipes don’t freeze.
• Prop open cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom so warmer air can circulate around the plumbing.
• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in towels or rags.
• Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
• Shut of the main water pipes to minimize damage to the home.
• Keep an eye on the snow accumulating on the roof. One foot of snow is not likely to cause damage but with every inch the weight of the snow increases and could become a problem.

• Bottled water on hand in case of no water. If the storm is ongoing, it is recommended to have one gallon of water per person for each day.
• Keep a three-day supply of non-perishable food on hand.
  • Nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, jerky\
  • Non-electric can opener.
• Make sure all electronic devices are charged. - phones, tablets, etc.
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Lighters or matches.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Prescription drugs and medication
• First aid kit
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Medical Tape
  • Antiseptic
  • Gauze
  • Scissors

What to do During the Storm

• Remember to stay hydrated.
• Stay well nourished. Eating generates energy and helps to keep your body warm.
• Avoid over exertion such as shoveling snow and walking in deep snow; Sweating could lead to chill and hypothermia.

• Have your vehicle serviced prior to the winter months.
• Have an oil change if needed.
• Check battery and replace if needed.
• Check your window wipers and replace if worn.
• Make sure all vehicle fluids are at the proper levels. Especially window wiper fluid.
• Check to see if the car tires are inflated to the recommended amount.
• Check spare tire to make sure it is inflated.
• Make sure your brakes are in good working order!

1. Snow tire chains
2. Tow ropes
3. Jack and lug wrench
4. Window scraper
5. Shovel
6. Sand, salt, or kitty litter
7. Jumper cables
8. Flares
9. Flashlight with spare batteries
10. Extra window washing fluid.
11. Phone chargers
12. First Aid kit
13. Tool Kit
14. Duct Tape
15. Blankets
16. Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
17. Spare Cash and change
18. Maps, toilet paper, paper towels and garbage bags

1. When warming up your vehicle, make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow.
2. Using hand sanitizer on the key before placing in lock will help with turn locks that may be frozen.
3. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and top off your window wiper fluid.
4. Place a window cleaner and snow shovel in your vehicle.

Items to keep on hand:

• Cooler to keep perishable food cold.
• Ice to place in the coolers
• Flashlight with new batteries
• Radio
• First Aid Kit
• Medications
• Charged Cell phones.

What to do during a power outage:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours.
• Then use food from the freezer. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
• Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.
• If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.
• Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times.
• Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
• Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
• Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested. Using generators safely.
• When using a portable generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a portable generator to a home’s electrical system.
• If you are considering getting a generator, get advice from a professional, such as an electrician. Make sure that the generator you purchase is rated for the power that you think you will need.

 What to do when the power comes back on:

• Do not touch any electrical power lines and keep your family away from them.
• Report downed power lines to the appropriate officials in your area.
• Throw out unsafe food.
• Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety. Some foods may look and smell fine, but if they have been at room temperature too long, bacteria causing food-borne illnesses can start growing quickly. Some types of bacteria produce toxins that cannot be destroyed by cooking.
• If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
• If you are not sure food is cold enough, take its temperature with the food thermometer. Throw out any foods (meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been exposed to temperatures higher than 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture, or feels warm to touch. Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
• If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.

Before you leave your house:

1. Consider public transportation if available.
2. Check the latest weather conditions on your planned travel route.
3. Be especially cautious in sleet and freezing rain.
4. Travel during the day and avoid nighttime driving.
5. Provide your itinerary to a friend, relative or coworker including the route you will travel and time frame.
6. Make sure to let them know you arrived safely

Driving Tips (not sure if we can use this)

• Buckle your seatbelts.
• Be prepared to turn back if the roads are unpassable.
• Keep your windows clear of ice and snow. Do not drive until your windows are defrosted.
• Increase following distance from other vehicles.
• Watch for slick spots especially under bridges and on overpasses.
• If the pavement is snow or ice covered, start off slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when you come to a stop sign or intersection.
• IF you start to slide ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you have regained traction and then straighten your vehicle.
• When a snowplow is coming toward you, allow plenty of room for the truck to pass. When the center line is being cleared and salted, the plow tip may be on or over the line.
• When you approach a snowplow from behind pass with care and only when you can see the road ahead of the truck. You should not try to pass in the blowing snow there may be a vehicle in the cloud of snow. Allow more distance between you and the plow than normal.
• Refuel often keeping your gas tank near full to prevent ice in the tank and fuel lines which could leave you stranded.

• Pull of the road as far as possible
• Set hazard lights to flashing and hang or tie a colored cloth to your antenna window or door.
• After the snow stops falling, raise your hood to indicate you need assistance.
• Stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters). 
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in the snow call a towing company but be prepared to wait in the cold weather for up to several hours.
• If you can be safely pulled out by another vehicle, make sure you use tow ropes with loops on the ends. Avoid chains or hooks if at all possible since these can slip off and recoil very quickly causing injury or death.
• Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.
• Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour.  Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• Do light exercises to keep up circulation. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs occasionally. 
• Huddle together for warmth. Wrap yourself in newspapers, maps, and even the removable floor mats to help trap more body heat.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, which can make you more susceptible to the ill effects of cold and to heart attacks.
• Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
• Auto accidents are unexpected and stressful. Even the most careful drivers may be involved. If you have recently been involved in an accident, begin reporting a claim.

Be Prepared

• Carry a set of cones, warning triangles, or emergency flares in your trunk to help alert traffic.
• It also helps to have a pen and a card with any relevant medical information for you and your family.

Immediately After an Accident

• Take a deep breath and stay calm.
• Check for injuries; call an ambulance when in doubt.
• If accident is minor, move cars to a safe place, out of traffic.
• Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights and use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
• Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
• Notify your insurance agent immediately.

Other Important Tips

• Make immediate notes about the accident, including specific damages to all vehicles involved, witness information, etc.
• If the name on an auto registration is different than the driver, jot down the relationship.
• Be polite, but don’t tell anyone the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
• State only the facts and limit your discussion of the accident to the police and your insurance agent.
• If possible, don’t leave the accident scene before the police and other drivers do.