Winter Is Here: Family Winter Preparedness
Winter is finally here! Whether you’re on the east or west coast, the winter season is upon us and that means we need to take extra precaution when it comes to keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. This season is characteristic of increased hazards on the roads and in daily life, so it is important we all have safety plans and procedures in place should a potential dangerous situation arise.
There are many preparation tips that you and your family can put into place this winter season. Here are a few:
- Place winter supplies, like shovels and rock salt, inside your home should you get snowed in.
- Store sufficient heating fuel in the case that your regular fuel sources are shut off.
- Learn how to properly shut off and close water valves should a pipe burst in your home. Insulate your pipes with newspaper and plastic or insulation and allow your faucets to lightly drip to prevent from burst pipes.
- Service your vehicle to prepare it for the winter weather.
- If you are using a portable generator, follow the instruction manual to ensure the carbon monoxide fumes produced by the generator are escaping properly and not entering your breathing air.
- A winter emergency kit which includes first aid resources should be placed in every vehicle you operate and in your home.
Also remember to:
Update Preparation Kits
With the winter season quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to update your home and car safety preparation kits for the new weather. Be sure to add extra blankets, extra warm clothing, and heat sources like waterproof matches to your kits to ensure you will have everything you need to stay safe.
Customize Preparation Kits
Find a time to meet with your family and ask your loved one what items they feel should be added to both the home and car safety preparation kits. As you brainstorm together with one another, make it a point to find these items and add them to the kits as soon as possible. Safety never sleeps, so it is vital to take action as quickly as possible to protect your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Having your family take an active role in the preparation process will encourage safety among all family members and promote togetherness.
The First My Family 4 Person Premium Disaster Preparedness Survival Kit with 72-Hours of Survival and First Aid Supplies has all the items you need to keep you and your family safe this winter. This is a great survival kit to begin with as it is prepared by professionals who know all about what is needed to stay safe in emergency situations. You and your family can then customize this kit further by adding additional items you collectively feel will be best for you such as additional blankets and warmers.
Take Care of Furry Family Members
Don’t forget about your fur family! If you have pets, remember they are part of your family too. Make sure you have survival items for them as well in the preparation kits you are creating with your family. It is important to customize and update a pet survival kit so your pets can survive this winter season alongside the family.
Bring your pets in from the cold as often as possible and be sure they have fresh drinking water at all times. Additionally, make sure you have a large stock of food for your pets and blankets; your pets get hungry and cold, just like us!
This winter, be sure you and your family are prepared for any potential emergency weather situations that may arise. Keep a customized preparation and survival emergency kit in your home and car at all times and learn what safety tips will help keep you, your loved ones, and your fur family safe.
Take extra precaution and ensure the safety of your family with these winter preparation tips!
Susie Plascencia
Author