At Home in Berks December 2017 - 19

ASSEMBLING EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
You may be without power and heat for several days. Have
a family discussion; think through what three days without
power, water, or heat would feel like. Gather the basic supplies
your family would need if grocery stores and other services
are unavailable; if power, water, or gas is interrupted; or if you
cannot leave your home. Be sure to review your emergency
supplies every fall. Basic emergency supplies should include
the following, most of which you probably already have in your
home.

WATER

Ensure you have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day
for at least 3 days. (Store a longer than 3-day supply of water,
if possible). An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a
gallon of fluid daily. Individual needs vary depending on age,
gender, health, level of activity, food choices, and climate. You
may also need stored water for food preparation.

FOOD

Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food for
members of your household, including pets. Consider special
dietary needs (e.g., infant formula). Include a non-electric can
opener for canned food.

FLASHLIGHT, RADIO, and CELL PHONE CHARGER

You will need to be able to charge these items without electricity. Your flashlight and radio should be either hand-cranked
or battery-powered, and stored with extra batteries. Your
cell phone charger should be hand-crank, solar, or able to be
charged from a car outlet.

MEDICAL

Include first aid kit, prescription and non-prescription/overthe-counter medications, and medical supplies.

SANITATION

Pack supplies for sanitation, such as hand sanitizer, towelettes,
paper products, diapers, and plastic bags, for use when water
resources are limited.

ITEMS FOR SNOW AND ICE

Stock up on rock salt to melt ice on walkways or sand or kitty
litter to improve traction and snow shovels or other snow
removal equipment.

WOOD

Store a supply of dry, seasoned wood if you have a working
fireplace or wood-burning stove with a safe flue or vent. It is
important to consider the unique needs of your family, including access and functional needs, and the needs of children and
pets. You may need to include: extra water; special food, such
as infant formula or pet food; and supplies or equipment, such
as diapers, glasses, or medical equipment. Download Emergency Supply Checklist at www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

KNOW THE WEATHER TERMS

Know the terms used to describe changing winter weather
conditions and what actions to take. These terms can be used
to determine the timeline and severity of an approaching
storm.

ADVISORY: The NWS issues a winter weather advisory when
conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences
that may be hazardous. If caution is used, these situations
should not be life-threatening.
WATCH: The NWS issues a winter storm watch when severe
winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect
your area but the location and timing are still uncertain. A
winter storm watch is issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a
potential severe storm. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, local
radio, TV, or other news sources for more information. Monitor alerts, check your emergency supplies, and gather any items
you may need if you lose power.
WARNING: The NWS issues a winter storm warning when 4 or

more inches of snow or sleet are expected in the next 12 hours,
or 6 or more inches in 24 hours, or ¼ inch or more of ice accumulation is expected. The NWS may also issue a warning if
the storm is expected to hit during high-traffic times, like rush
hour. Stay indoors, and keep warm and dry. Minimize driving.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Include battery backup power for power-dependent mobility
devices, oxygen, and other assistive technology needs.

EXTRA CLOTHING, BLANKETS, and SLEEPING BAGS

Dress in layers to keep warm if you lose power. Ensure you
have enough clothing, hats, mittens, and blankets or sleeping
bags for everyone in the house.

december 2017 AT HOME IN BERKs

http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of At Home in Berks December 2017