Prepping for Winter Storms

New Englanders aren’t the only ones who should be prepared for winter storms. At Fenix Prep, we believe in preparing for the worst and hoping for the best; and this time of year, that means preparing for a winter storm, even if you don’t live in an area typically plagued by this kind of event.

Follow these steps to prep for a winter storm:

Plan ahead.

Plan more efficiently and avoid confusion by creating a plan ahead of time. This should include where you will go, what you will do, and how you will communicate with your household and possibly friends and extended family members. Remember to review this plan often so that everyone remembers what to do in the event of an emergency.

Prepare your home.

Preparing your home will take some time, so don’t wait until a storm is imminent. 

Weatherproof. 

• Add weather stripping and/or caulk to windows and doors where needed
• Add insulation to walls and the attic
• Insulate water lines
• Cut down tree branches that are at risk for falling onto your home
• Replace old windows – preferably with thermal-pane windows
• Repair leaks
• Have your fireplace and chimney inspected
• Install battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Change the oil, filters, and spark plugs
• Install a transfer switch
• Replace old fuel

Double check your emergency kit. Make sure your emergency kit or bug out bag contains winter essentials. Check out our general bug out bag packing list here and our winter-specific list here.

Stock your pantry. Keep the following in your kitchen or emergency storage closet:

• Water (minimum of one gallon per person per day x3 days)
• Emergency food buckets
• Canned soups, stews, fruit, vegetables, tuna, salmon, chicken
• Cereal and granola
• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate
• Nut butters
• Nuts
• Jelly
• Pasta and sauce
• Jerky
• Dried fruit
• Protein bars, granola bars
• Shelf-stable juice and sports drinks
• Paper towels, toilet paper, wipes
• Can opener

Remember to stock up on supplies for the most vulnerable of your family members: the sick, the elderly, infants and pets. Keep the following on hand if someone in your household needs them:

• At least one week’s worth of over the counter and prescription medications
• Infant formula (even if baby is breastfed)
• Diapers
• Pet food and medications

Master the Grill. If your stove runs on electricity, prepare to grill. This means stocking up on propane, or charcoal, matches, and lighter fluid. You may also consider using your camping stove. 

Prepare your car.

Keep your gas tank full and create a car emergency kit. Your kit should include:

• Batteries
• Blankets
• Booster cables
• Cat litter, sand, or road salt
• Emergency flare
• Emergency food
• First aid kit
• Including emergency medications – inhalers, epi pens (consider how you will keep them at a stable temperature), insulin, etc.
• Flashlight
• Hats, mittens, coats
• Maps
• Matches
• Phone chargers
• Rope
• Shovel
• Snacks
• Spare tire
• Tire and/or tow chains
• Water
• Weather radio
• Windshield scraper
  

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