Release Date: Nov 19, 2007
File:

Summary:
Montgomery County Emergency Management offers these tips for preparing for severe winter weather:

Modify your disaster preparedness plan. Every home, school and business should have written plans for the different types of disasters that can affect your establishment. Everyone should know what to do in the event of a snow or ice storm, a prolonged power outage, winter flooding or fire. Prepare and practice drills that require sheltering in place and evacuation/escape routes. Have an emergency contact list and establish a meeting point outside of the home, school or business, so others will know where to find or meet you. Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated on severe weather watches and warnings.

Prepare winter disaster kits for the home and vehicle. Winter emergency kits should include warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, batteries, coats, hats, gloves, a battery-operated radio, first aid kit, and enough nonperishable food and water (one gallon per person, per day) to sustain each family member for at least three days. Every home should have properly working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure that vehicles have tune ups/maintenance checks and ensure that all vehicles keep at least a half tank of fuel to reduce the chance of fuel-line freeze up.




Prepare and protect your home for winter. Cut and remove low-hanging and dead tree branches. Ice and snow, combined with winter winds, can cause tree limbs to snap. Clean your gutters. Snow and ice can build up quickly if gutters are clogged with debris. Have auxiliary heaters, furnaces and fireplaces maintenance-checked or serviced before use. If using an electric heating element, never leave it unattended or fall asleep while it's plugged in and on. Check your homeowner's insurance policy to know its coverage.  Flood insurance is needed to cover any flood-related damage.