Five Ways To Be Disaster Ready In Minnesota
Surely, you know that unpredictable winter weather is something you commonly have to contend with if you call Minnesota home. When a cold weather or snow disaster strikes, it can prevent you from leaving home, cause you to become stuck in a snowbank or worse. It's best to prepare in advance for winter weather emergencies, which is why we have the following handy guide. For more information on which resources to utilize during this time of year, check out "Best Resources For Emergency Preparedness."
Stock A Survival Kit For Home And Car
When caught in severe winter weather, it is important to stock your home and car with essentials to keep you warm, safe and nourished. Critical tools include a flashlight and batteries that are stored in an easily accessible place when it is dark, plus candles and matches as a back-up. Don't forget enough non-perishable food to last you a few days, as well as bottled water, especially if you are concerned about your pipes freezing. Make sure you have an alternate plan for your phone since cell batteries drain and cordless home phones won't work when the power is out, whether that be a back-up auto emergency service like OnStar, having a landline or a cordless way to charge your cell phone. Be sure to also keep items like prescription medications, first-aid supplies, diapers and pet food stocked so you don't run out.
Be Ready To Dig Yourself Out Of A Ditch
Sometimes even a quick trip to the store can turn into an hours-long saga if you drive into a ditch or get your car stuck somehow. In the winter, it is important to stock your vehicle for this event so you can better help yourself or other travelers. Always keep an extra supply of warm weather gear on-hand for such events, such as hats, mittens and even boots. Having a shovel stored in your car will be a major help getting you out of a snowbank, as will salt or sand for the road, or a small piece of spare carpet to lay under your tires for traction. If the going really gets tough, having a tow rope, chain and emergency flares handy will also benefit you.
Get A Winter Weather Survival App
There are a variety of free or inexpensive apps to help you before, during or after winter weather disasters, such as ones with preparation checklists, those that help find shelter and some that give cold weather first aid suggestions. An excellent app to download is the Winter Survival Kit App. During a snowy emergency, this app can determine your location and assist you with contacting help, such as calling 911 or notifying the friends and family you pre-designated as emergency contacts. There is even an area to keep your insurance policy and roadside assistance numbers handy. The app also keeps you safe from carbon monoxide poisoning by calculating how long you can periodically run your vehicle to keep warm and alerting you to check for snow build-up around your exhaust pipe.
Related: School Safety Tips For Younger Kids
Winterize Your Vehicle
Winter is the essential time to have your vehicle running smoothly so you don't get stranded in a cold parking lot or along the side of the road. Make sure to check, or have your mechanic check, your car periodically throughout the season to make certain it is winterized. This includes ensuring the antifreeze levels are sufficient, the heater and defroster are working properly, that you have proper winter tires on your vehicle and the correct oil weight and level. Also make sure that there are no leaks or faulty pipes that would affect your exhaust system and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Keeping your gas tank as full as possible will also keep the fuel line from freezing.
Stay Updated And Informed
It's important to know the difference between weather alerts when they are scrolling across your TV screen. Winter Weather Advisories alert you to non-life threatening hazards or inconveniences. Winter Storm Watches are usually possible in the next 36-48 hours and are a reminder to review your upcoming plans in light of the storm and readjust if necessary. Winter Storm Warnings are the most serious of the three and mean that life-threatening, severe conditions require that precautions take place immediately. You should also know which TV and radio stations have alerts during these weather situations, especially if you have children in school. The National Weather Service, WCCO and many other local media outlets also offer electronic alerting services via email, text, Facebook and Twitter for such emergencies.
Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. She is also a public relations and event planning professional. Her most important job is mother to her young daughter, who is her partner-in-crime when checking out the family entertainment scene in the Twin Cities. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
